Perumbadappu Panchayat: A beacon of sustainable water conservation
The Union Government has honoured the panchayat with the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Satat Vikas award instituted for the best panchayat in the country, recognizing the outstanding achievements in preserving its aquatic bodies consisting of ponds, lakes and coastline. This award is given to the top three panchayats that excel in the nine categories of sustainable development indicators. Perumpadappu Panchayat proudly secured second rank in the category of best Water Sufficient Panchayat, a testament to its successful and enduring initiatives in the areas of drinking water supply, water quality enhancement and water conservation. Perumbadappu is a region blessed with diverse geographical features ranging from the coastline to Ponnani Kole wetlands and Connolly Canal. Given the rich tapestry of the landscape, the task of developing sustainable water conservation projects posed significant challenges. The Panchayat recognised that effective water conservation hinged on comprehensive, scientifically driven environmental protection activities. In addition to the annual plan of the gram panchayat, the Panchayat spearheaded collaboration activities with various agencies such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, district panchayat, Green Kerala Mission and State Biodiversity Board. In the fiscal year 2021- 22, a substantial amount of Rs 2 crore was allocated for water conservation activities.
The panchayat also sought the guidance and expertise of Kerala Forest Research Institute and Kerala Fisheries and Ocean Studies University in its endeavours. A well water conservation blueprint served as the cornerstone of Perumbadappu Panchayat’s winning initiatives. The plan involved the creation of new water sources and the preservation of existing ones. The initial phase of the plan involved raising awareness through programmes like ‘Jala Gram Sabhas’ and Water Walks conducted at ward levels. Simultaneously, endeavours to rejuvenate existing water sources in the panchayat were launched. This included the maintenance of natural ponds like Valiyakulam and Anarakulam, restoration of Conolly and Anara canals, thorough cleansing of Nooradi channel, soil erosion prevention through the use of coir bhoovastra (a geotextile made of coconut husk) and enhancement of water storage capacity. Additionally, the panchayat reinforced the Kole wetland embankments and implemented an advanced drainage system to shield public water bodies from contamination. To bolster the water supply infrastructure, two new innovative water supply systems were planned and executed. Creating over 10,000 rain pits and constructing 60 wells under Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme also significantly contributed to the water conservation efforts. Rainwater harvesting systems were made mandatory for all buildings with more than 100 square metres of area.
Filters were installed to prevent rainwater from washing garbage into the sea and causing pollution. To combat coastal erosion, a bio-fence made of mangroves was built. Unique initiatives such as a biodiversity park, a biodiversity nursery, a mangrove nursery and a green cover (pachathuruth) were also established to bolster the coastal protection measures. Planting Ramacham and bamboo along the Connolly coast further fortified the region against coastal erosion. The water bodies, which were previously in a dilapidated condition, were revitalised to meet the various needs of the community. Anarakulam pond, with its potential to store water for agricultural purposes, underwent a comprehensive renovation at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. Similarly, Valiyakulam pond, which could address the drinking water scarcity experienced in the region, was renovated at a cost of Rs 30 lakh. Green Kerala Mission oversaw the restoration activities of both the ponds.
Project Puzhamulla
Aimed at protecting the coast by creating a bio-fence using Puzhamulla (Cleroden Drum Inerme), Project Puzhamulla was another remarkable initiative by the panchayat.Launched on the International Day for Biodiversity, this project focused on reviving the coastal area extending over 500 metres along the Puthiyiruthi beach. The project was a joint effort by the grama panchayat, Biodiversity Management Committee, Employment Guarantee Scheme and local residents.
A water source that is a remnant of history
Perumbadappu Swaroopam at Vanneri is a historic landmark where the coronation ceremony of Cochin rulers used to be performed. The giant well (Valiya Kinar) at Vanneri, which is considered to be one of the remnants of Perumbadappu Swaroopam, was given a much-needed facelift at a cost of 8 lakhs. The renovation activities were carried out under the supervision of the Archeology Department. ‘’Perumbadappu Panchayat focuses on implementing eco-friendly water conservation activities using the expertise of the likes of Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala Fisheries and Ocean Studies University. The panchayat intends to implement more such initiatives in the coming years with increased responsibility’’, Bineesha Mustafa, President, Perumbadapp Grama Panchayat.