The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has urged local government institutions to prioritise water conservation as a crucial component of their comprehensive development strategy.

Despite Kerala receiving 3,000 mm of rainfall annually, only 15% is retained, leading to severe drinking water shortages in some areas, especially since January, the KSSP observed at the district-level comprehensive development workshop held in Kannur on Monday (February 10). The workshop was inaugurated by K.K. Ravi, who secured the first rank in the MA Decentralisation and Local Governance programme at the KILA Institute of Public Policy and Leadership.

Experts at the event highlighted the urgent need for rainwater harvesting, natural resource conservation, and sustainable employment initiatives.

The KSSP observed that while local bodies have made significant strides in planning over the past 27 years, challenges persist in key sectors, including water resource management and productivity enhancement.

The Parishad called for strengthening water conservation, natural resource management, and soil preservation. Additionally, it emphasised the need to address climate change impacts and biodiversity conservation, promote solar energy adoption in institutions and homes, and ensure development policies meet the needs of marginalised communities. .

The Parishad pledged full support to local government bodies in implementing these measures, including training, expert assistance, and technological integration. It also stated that it aims to develop a model district showcasing comprehensive development, which could then be replicated across Kerala.

T. Sangadharan, member of the Central Executive Committee of the Parishad, P.V. Ratnakaran, chairman of the District Development Committee, former State president of the Parishad O.M. Sankaran, State treasurer P.P. Babu, State committee member M. Divakaran, district president of the Parishad K.P. Pradeep Kumar and others spoke at the occasion.