SHSRC-Kerala conducted an intersectoral workshop titled “Prevention of Water Pollution and Water-Borne Diseases – Intersectoral Workshop for Action Plan Development” to address the maintenance and protection of water resources. Representatives from several government departments participated in the workshop and presented key legislations and initiatives relevant to water safety and public health. These included the Kerala Food Safety Act, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, the Environmental Act, the Kerala Municipality Act, the Water Conservation Act, and the Kerala Public Health Act. In addition, the Directorate of Medical Education shared department-specific acts, initiatives, and recommendations related to the theme.

Each presentation was followed by active discussions aimed at developing a coordinated and collaborative plan of action. After the presentations, participants were divided into four groups to facilitate detailed discussions on specific aspects of water pollution prevention and the control of water-borne diseases. Through this collaborative group process, the SHSRC-Kerala team prepared an initial draft of an intersectoral action plan addressing water pollution and the prevention of water-borne diseases. The draft report was subsequently submitted to the Directorate of Health Services and the Assistant Director of Public Health for review and further modifications.

The workshop commenced with Dr. Harikumar, Assistant Director (Public Health), who welcomed the participants and shared the background of how the workshop idea evolved. This was followed by a session by Dr. V Jithesh, who spoke about the objectives of the workshop and the importance of integrating various legislations while developing a comprehensive action plan. Dr. Binoy then provided a detailed overview of the current trends of water-borne diseases in the state.

Subsequent technical sessions covered key legislations relevant to water safety and pollution control. Dr. Ansha John, Food Safety Officer, presented the Kerala Food Safety Act. Ms. Ramya, Environmental Engineer from the Kerala Pollution Control Board, presented the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, and the Environmental Act. Muhammed Huwaiz, Joint Director at the Local Self Government Department, and Neha Kurian, Program Coordinator at KILA, jointly presented the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act. Mr. Jose, Assistant Executive Engineer from the Irrigation Department, elaborated on the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, while Mr. P. K. Raju (Technical Assistant, Retired) presented the Kerala Public Health Act. Each session was followed by active discussions aimed at developing a coordinated plan of action.

Representatives from the Kerala Water Authority, Agriculture Department, Law Department, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Ground Water Department, Centre for Water Resource Development and Management (CWRDM), Kerala Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KRWSA), and the Directorate of Medical Education also shared department-specific acts, initiatives, and recommendations relevant to the theme.

Following the presentations, participants were divided into four groups for detailed discussions. Through an iterative group process, the teams collaboratively developed an initial draft of an intersectoral action plan to address water pollution and the prevention of water-borne diseases.