The failure of the people and government to realise the importance of conservation of water sources in spite of unusual drought and water scarcity is in fact a big crime.

Out of the total number of rivers, 39 have already been polluted according to expert studies. Authorities also clearly know how these rivers are being polluted.

It has been two years since laws against water pollution have been made stringent. But only two cases were filed in this connection. This shows the apathy of people who are actually responsible for implementing the law.

The more the water sources are polluted the more will be the scarcity of water. When e-coli bacteria content in water crosses 500 unit, it will become unfit for domestic purpose. But the content will be above this limit if we test the water of any river here. Though the report is in front of them, they prefer to keep their eyes closed. Today each river has become a dumping yard for all waste including slaughter house waste. The indifference of authorities is an unpardonable mistake done to future generations.

The apathy shown by local body institutions in waste disposal result in water pollution. Inadequacy of toilets also results in human excreta finding its way to nearby water sources like backwaters and rivers. The local self-government departments don’t even have any clue about the number of unlicensed slaughtering centres working in Kerala.

The penalty for polluting water sources comes up to Rs 2 lakh fine and an imprisonment up to three years. Out of 44 rivers, 39 are gravely polluted and not even a single person is known to have been punished for that offence.

Rivers and rivulet will remain fresh at least to some extent when there comes a strong awareness in the mind of the people is water preservation is the basis of their very existence.

Those who see water sources as a place to dump whatever they want to throw away are not only anti-socials but also misanthropists.

Apart from making laws against water pollution strong, awareness drive on the importance of water preservation should also be intensified.

Lot of things have already been spoken about the origin points of rivers and environmental destruction but no moves have been made to take a serious approach on the issue.
There should not be further delay in covering lands near water sources with trees and lush greenery.
When there was flood that swallowed almost the entire state, there were lots of discussions and oath taking sessions on conservation of nature.
As soon as flood fears subsided, people started forgetting all those things.
Now the State is in the grip of blistering summer. Even drinking water resources are fast-depleting. All people are sighing about obsolete water sources due to constant dumping of garbage but still, no one properly understands the need for preserving water.