A new report on water resources in the Pothencode block panchayat prepared by the Kerala State Land Use Board (KSLUB) highlights a pressing need for the periodic renovation of canals, ponds and small streams with the active involvement of local communities.

Prepared under the ‘Sajalam’ water resources management scheme, the report on Pothencode is the first of several planned by KSLUB for block panchayats in the ‘semi-critical’ list in terms of ground water extraction.

The report, which covers waterbodies (rivers, canals, ponds and public wells) in the five grama panchayats under the block, notes how many of them are overrun by weeds and algae or choked with silt through years of neglect.

Several waterbodies, such as the Kadinamkulam pond and Pattukanichira pond in the block, can be tapped as local drinking water sources if de-weeded and desilted, the report has observed.

With an area of 86.89 sq. km and population of 2.12 lakh, the Pothencode block panchayat has five grama panchayats within its jurisdiction; Pothencode, Mangalapuram, Andoorkonam, Kadinamkulam and Azhoor. The survey, mapping and analysis of waterbodies have been carried out at the grama panchayat level.

Apart from being a comprehensive mapping project of water resources in the selected block panchayat, the report provides detailed insights into the topography, geomorphology, soil structure and series, rock types and land use patterns that have implications for waterbodies.

“Detailed GIS-based maps of the waterbodies are part of the report, which will prove a valuable resource for the block panchayat. We have handed over the report to the block,” Land Use Commissioner Yasmin L. Rasheed told The Hindu.

Key recommendations

The report has also recommended interventions such as contour bunds, construction of farm ponds, roof-top rainwater harvesting, staggered trenches and gabion check dams depending on the lie of the land, natural resources and agricultural requirements.

Blocks are flagged as ‘semi-critical’ where the Stage of Groundwater Extraction (SOE) is between 70% and 90%. The Pothencode block (SOE: 86.68%) is one of three blocks that the KSLUB has selected for survey under the ‘Sajalam’ programme in 2024-25, the others being Panur in Kannur district and Kondotti in Malappuram.

Inaugurating the ‘Sajalam’ project in August last year, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine had described public participation vital in the management of water resources.