Published Nov 02, 2026 | 5:49 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 02, 2026 | 5:49 PM
On Mullaperiyar, the government will file a special petition seeking implementation of the Supreme Court's 2024 verdict.
Synopsis: Keralam will frame a comprehensive Water Policy by early 2027, bringing the different divisions under the Water Resources Department within a common framework. The government will hold a Keralam Water Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram in the first week of December as part of the policy-making process.
Keralam will frame a comprehensive Water Policy by early 2027, bringing the different divisions under the Water Resources Department within a common framework, Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said.
The government will hold a Keralam Water Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram in the first week of December as part of the policy-making process. The proposed policy will cover drinking water supply, irrigation, dam safety and the functioning of the Kerala Water Authority.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, 2 November, Joseph announced a series of reforms, including a technology-based pilot project in Thiruvananthapuram to tackle drinking water loss between Aruvikkara and consumers.
Nearly 50 percent of the water supplied through this stretch is lost before reaching consumers, he said.
The government plans to extend the technology across the State if the pilot project succeeds.
It is also considering setting up desalination plants in coastal areas to convert seawater into drinking water.
The government will constitute committees headed by MLAs in all 140 Assembly constituencies to address local drinking water supply and irrigation problems. The committees will meet every month.
District-level reviews will be held once every three months under the chairmanship of District Collectors. Ministerial-level reviews will take place every six months.
In a change to the existing arrangement, agencies responsible for pipeline works will also take charge of restoring roads dug up for the work.
The Public Works Department will restore roads under its jurisdiction, while local bodies will repair panchayat roads. The Kerala Water Authority will provide the funds required for the restoration work.
Also Read: Adoor police station stormed: Four-month-old CCTV footage puts Congress leaders under scrutiny
On Mullaperiyar, the government will file a special petition seeking implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict permitting a detailed safety inspection of the dam. Senior advocate Mohan V Katarki has been appointed lead counsel for the case.
Keralam will also seek the Centre’s intervention to resolve the dispute with Tamil Nadu.
Separately, a comprehensive safety assessment of 22 dams in the State will be completed by 31 December.
The government plans to tackle the invasive water weed menace in Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad by using technologies that convert the weed into value-added products. An expert committee has been formed to examine the proposals.
The Water Resources Department also plans to develop irrigation tourism by renovating dams, canals and other water bodies. The closed Malampuzha Garden will be renovated and reopened.
An asset-mapping exercise covering properties owned by the department will be completed within six months. The exercise will identify encroachments and help prevent the loss of departmental land.
The government will step up efforts to implement Jal Jeevan Mission projects and take up with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti the release of nearly ₹8,000 crore in pending Central assistance.
A ₹7,000-crore loan from NABARD has already been used to clear a substantial portion of the dues owed to contractors.
A master plan will be prepared to tackle drinking water shortages in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kazhakoottam and Technocity. The project is targeted for completion during the tenure of the present government.
The government will also implement a ₹4,000-crore coastal protection project with assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Apart from Chellanam and Pozhiyoor, 10 other vulnerable coastal hotspots have been identified for protection. Restoration of Shangumugham Beach is also under consideration.
The government aims to complete all feasible drinking water projects within two years.
In another initiative, it is considering opening guest houses and inspection bungalows run by the Kerala Water Authority and the Irrigation Department to tourists and the public at affordable rates.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
