The South Asian: Democratic Control of Groundwater Sought

October 14, 2008

Democratic Control of Groundwater Sought

The Plachimada Struggle Solidarity Committee has sought greater role for Grama Sabhas in the management of groundwater resources of the State.

In a memorandum submitted to the government seeking an amendment to the Kerala Groundwater Act, committee convener R. Ajayan says that being the fundamental and primary unit of governance in the panchayat structure, the Grama Sabhas are the most competent bodies to determine the use, control and management of groundwater and minor water bodies within their geographical jurisdiction. The Grama Sabhas should be given the powers to safeguard and preserve groundwater resources and to manage water supply schemes.

The Grama Sabhas, the memorandum says, must have the authority to enforce reasonable restrictions on use of groundwater and minor water bodies to ensure safety and adequacy of water and take necessary steps to penalise those who violate the stipulations on water usage thereby threatening the quantity or quality of groundwater available within a specific geographical area. All development activities falling within the geographical jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha should be carried out with the express consent and approval of the Grama Sabhas with a view to ensuring its protection, conservation, sustainable usage and development.

According to the committee, which had played a major role in the anti-Coca Cola stir at Plachimada, the Grama Sabhas should be provided with the services and assistance of the State Ground Water Authority, the Ground Water Department, the State Pollution Control Board and the local bodies concerned to enable them to carry out these responsibilities. Besides the Kerala Groundwater Act, the State government must also amend the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and other relevant laws relating to pollution control to enable the Grama Sabhas to exercise the new powers, the committee says.

Mr. Ajayan has also cited the recommendation of the expert group of the Planning Commission on groundwater management and ownership that involvement of Panchayat Raj institutions should be a key part of the strategy to protect the public interest in managing groundwater resources even while allowing the landowners’ right to capture groundwater.

Posted by collective at October 14, 2008 11:05 AM

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