The Gram Panchayat in Sholayar, near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, has announced a ban on swimming in water bodies to address water scarcity. Violators face fines and imprisonment.
Coimbatore: In an effort to address severe water shortages, the Gram Panchayat in Sholayar, situated near the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, has issued a ban on swimming in local water bodies. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing drought and high temperatures affecting the region.
Due to inadequate monsoon rains and subsequent rising temperatures, water levels in crucial reservoirs such as Siruvani and Bhavani are depleting rapidly, leading to a significant drinking water crisis in Coimbatore district. The Gram Panchayat's recent regulation is aimed at conserving what little water is available and preventing further contamination through activities like bathing and clothes washing in these water sources.
Furthermore, individuals found violating the ban could face a hefty fine of up to ₹50,000 or imprisonment for up to six months under Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 219(S). The Coimbatore Meteorological Centre has further warned of intense heat waves in about 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, driving the urgency of these water conservation measures.
The situation reflects a broader environmental issue that the local governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are grappling with, as water scarcity continues to pose a challenge in many southern states of India.
Due to inadequate monsoon rains and subsequent rising temperatures, water levels in crucial reservoirs such as Siruvani and Bhavani are depleting rapidly, leading to a significant drinking water crisis in Coimbatore district. The Gram Panchayat's recent regulation is aimed at conserving what little water is available and preventing further contamination through activities like bathing and clothes washing in these water sources.
Furthermore, individuals found violating the ban could face a hefty fine of up to ₹50,000 or imprisonment for up to six months under Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 219(S). The Coimbatore Meteorological Centre has further warned of intense heat waves in about 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, driving the urgency of these water conservation measures.
The situation reflects a broader environmental issue that the local governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are grappling with, as water scarcity continues to pose a challenge in many southern states of India.