Intro: The coastal and lower-Ghat regions, saline water has begun appearing in drinking water wells, creating concerns over the availability of safe drinking water.
Karwar
Water conservation works will receive top priority under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission–Gramin (VB-G RAM-G) scheme, said Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr Dileesh Shashi.
Chairing a district-level progress review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat conference hall on Wednesday.
He noted that groundwater levels have already declined in the taluks located above the Western Ghats, resulting in several borewells drying up.
To improve groundwater levels and find long-term solutions to drinking water problems, water conservation-centred works will be given greater emphasis under the scheme, Dr Shashi said. The initiative will provide wage employment to rural residents while strengthening water resources and improving the long-term water security of villages.
The process of identifying ponds within gram panchayat limits has already begun. Comprehensive development plans will be prepared for the identified water bodies to improve their storage capacity and ensure their effective use.
The proposed action plans will also include the construction of groundwater recharge units for individual and community borewells. Other works will focus on the restoration of traditional water sources and the creation of flood-protection structures.
Water conservation measures such as nala bunds, farm ponds, contour trenches and check dams will also be included in the scheme’s action plans. These projects are expected to support groundwater recharge, conserve rainwater, reduce soil erosion and improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use.
Deputy Secretary of the Zilla Panchayat Administration Branch Allabakhsh, Planning Director Kareem Asadi, Development Branch Deputy Secretary Prakash Halammanavar and Chief Accounts Officer Anandsa Habib attended the meeting.
District-level officers from various implementing departments, executive officers of all taluk panchayats, assistant directors and subject matter officers were also present.
Quote
The scheme would focus on generating employment while implementing sustainable water conservation projects to address the district’s growing groundwater and drinking water challenges.
- Dr Shashi, Zilla Panchayat CEO