Puthiya Tamizhagam leader K. Krishnasamy on Sunday called for an effective implementation of the Tamil Nadu Groundwater (Development and Management) Act (2003) to prevent misuse of groundwater for purposes other than irrigation and drinking water.

Talking to reporters, he said if the government felt that the Act in its current form was not adequate to curb misuse of groundwater, it could include some more provisions to make it really effective. The failure of southwest monsoon had led to the depletion of groundwater level in over 150 panchayat unions. “But, big industrial houses are exploiting the groundwater by using giant size pipes. This practice should be stopped immediately. Groundwater should be used only for drinking and irrigation purposes,” he said.