Citizens should be aware of not just their fundamental rights, but their fundamental duties as well, Governor P. Sathasivam said on Friday.
He was inaugurating the World Water Day Celebrations organised by the Water Resources Department.
Article 51A (g) holds special importance for World Water Day as it requires every citizen “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures,” Mr. Sathasivam said. The preamble of the Constitution and the list of fundamental duties should be translated into Malayalam and distributed to students on school re-opening day, he said.
Despite having 44 rivers, a vast expanse of backwaters, almost 20,000 public ponds, streams, and rainfall above the national average, Kerala is reeling under an severe shortage of water.
“Water table has dipped in many parts of the State compared to last year. The loss of top soil in many parts of the State is a cause for concern as it affects the recharging of groundwater,” Mr. Sathasivam said.