Following the theme laid out in episode 1 and 2 on prioritizing environmental consciousness, in this episode we look into how Kerala’s new resilience building activities are integrating this priority into its two most important resources, rivers and remittances. The rapid and recent urbanization of Kerala has put stresses on the consumption of both resources. The flow of remittances into the State brought with it a construction boom. This in turn changed land use to accommodate new personal residences and hotels and the subsequent increase in consumption of water. Rivers eroded, braided, and broke their banks due to obstructions, sand mining and silt deposition from the building activities and groundwater depleted from consumption.  

Kerala is already acquainted with the effects of climate change, and this makes the need for river and water management even more critical. Therefore, how can we tap into the two resource flows of rivers and remittances, and do so responsibly and productively? Can we leverage remittances so that they are lucrative for the private investor as well as productive for public good? 

Thanks to Anil Das, Dilip Ratha, Thomas Mathew, VD Satheesan, Dr V Venu, Bala Menon, Heather Fernandes, and Illika Sahu. Kaalavastha is narrated by Radhika Viswanathan. It is researched, written and produced by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. Erwick D’souza composed the music. 

For more information go to https://www.worldbank.org/keralapodcast or email keralapodcast@worldbankgroup.org