Mavoor: The onset of summer has left many parts of the state in a severe drinking water crisis, but residents of Cholakkalthazham near Poovattuparambu in Kozhikode district are a relieved lot, thanks to a one-man mission.
When wells and natural streams in the area started drying up, Vasudevan Namboothiri of Perumanpura Edakramancheri Illam did not look up to the authorities. Instead, he swung into action to quench the thirst of his neighbors by creating his own water source!
He dug up a pond in his land, bearing the entire cost of abut Rs 10 lakh, to provide water to the residents of the area. He also donated the four-cent adjoining land to Perumanna grama panchayat for constructing a public pond.
The project is currently under way at an estimated cost of Rs 9 lakh.
Namboothiri, an organic farmer, is also growing Rakthasali, a traditional variety of rice, and several medicinal plants on the land alongside the pond.
After fixing the location of the pond as per Vastu guidelines, Namboothiri obtained permission from the grama panchayat. An Ulkkulam (inner pond) was also constructed to stop the waterbody from drying up.
Nelli palaka, a log of gooseberry wood, was placed in the basement of the pond to ensure that the water is naturally purified. The pond has steps, sidewalls and a covering of mesh netting. The remaining works would be completed in a few months, Namboothiri said.
“If authorities approach me, I’m ready to provide water to nearby localities suffering from acute water shortage,” he added.
