‘Need more projects to tide over water crisis’

“The government should also take care of the city’s water needs. Numerous lakes managed by the PWD are neglected for several years together. If the government can invest money for the restoration of waterbodies, then the water position would become comfortable for the city,” said Sekhar Raghavan of Rain Centre.

According to him, various irrigation tanks located in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts have lost their prominence after the local population shifted focus from agriculture. “These tanks can be maintained as small reservoirs to cater to the drinking water needs of the city. These tanks are traditionally interconnected with inlet channels. Instead of announcing mega projects, these initiatives will address the water scarcity situation,” he added.

In another major scheme, the government has approved Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) II under which 37 dams is proposed to be taken up at a cost of Rs 610.26 crore in thenext five years.

“The government is still insensitive when it comes to the effective conservation of resources. We need more specific projects like Polavaram project to maximise the benefits. This can be done only with the help of the public participation,” said social activist V Subramani.

K Ramakrishna, retired deputy secretary of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat and an environment activist, said, “The government is carrying out several initiatives to conserve water resources. However, the stress should be laid on the expedition of projects. To ensure seamless execution, a better coordination among the resources is mandatory.”