Keralam to announce comprehensive water policy by early 2027
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph announced reforms including dam safety assessments and new committees to address drinking water and irrigation issues.
The Keralam government will formulate a comprehensive water policy by early 2027 by integrating various divisions under the Water Resources department, according to The Hindu.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph announced the plan during a press conference on Monday, November 2. The policy aims to improve the efficiency of the department and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to make services more accessible.
As part of the process, a Kerala Water Conclave will be held in Thiruvananthapuram during the first week of December. International disaster management specialist Murali Thummarukudy is expected to attend the event.
The government will form constituency-level committees headed by MLAs in all 140 Assembly constituencies to address local irrigation and drinking water issues. These committees will meet monthly, while District Collectors will lead quarterly reviews and ministers will conduct reviews every six months.
To tackle water loss, a technology-based pilot project will launch in Thiruvananthapuram to address the nearly 50 per cent of water lost between Aruvikkara and consumers. The government is also considering setting up desalination plants in coastal areas.
Regarding dam safety, the State will file a special petition for a detailed safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar Dam following a 2024 Supreme Court verdict. Senior Advocate Mohan V. Katarki has been appointed lead counsel for the matter.