Local bodies in the district have been asked to set up a system with people’s participation for the upkeep of waterbodies cleaned and restored under Operation Vahini.
The project was launched to clear all tributaries of the Periyar in 2021. Since then, the Minor Irrigation department has meticulously cleaned up and restored the carrying capacity of big and small canals.
“At least in some places, the waterbodies restored were found to have stagnated owing to dumping of waste and overgrown water hyacinth. Local residents will have to take ownership of the waterbodies in their neighbourhood rather than expect government outlay for restoration and cleaning frequently, which is in fact a drain on tax payers. Local bodies have been advised to form squads with people’s participation and even organise events like walkathons alongside such waterbodies,” said Ramya Thomas, president, Alangad block panchayat.
