Following in the footsteps of neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Kerala too may
soon make rainwater harvesting compulsory in all new buildings in the
state, said Water Resources Minister P J Joseph while speaking at the
World Water Day observance here on Friday.

 “Taking Tamil Nadu’s
example, the State Government has proposed that all new buildings and
houses over 500 square feet roof area must have provisions for rainwater
harvesting,” said the Minister, adding that an average of 3 lakh litres
of rainwater can be harvested from a rooftop measuring 1,000 square
feet.

 He said that measures such as these were absolutely
necessary for the state which was on the grip of a drought.   “Rainwater
harvesting is also being promoted in hilly areas where it is difficult
to pump water,” he said.  Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who inaugurated
the event, also promised any amount of money required for water
conservation measures in the state.

 “For the conservation of a
precious resource such as water, money is no hindrance,” declared
Chandy, adding that three measures were most important – preservation of
rivers, conservation and revival of ponds and such water bodies, and
harvesting of rainwater.

 He stated that the impending drought
this year would be an ‘eye-opener’ for rain-dependent Kerala since it
would cripple not only agriculture but also energy, as the hydroelectric
power formed the lion’s share in the state. 

“In this context, long-term planning for water conservation policies must begin this summer itself,” he said.

 A
documentary on water conservation by the Communication and Capacity
Development Unit (CCDU) of Water Resources Department and a report by
the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change on ‘Kerala’s
Watersheds’ were also released on the occasion.