Kerala is blessed with a coastline of 580 km and plenty of freshwater resources. The land of 44 rivers (41 westward flowing rivers and three eastward flowing) receives rainfall that averages as much as 3,100 mm per annum. Being a state with a significant proportion of the population relying on agricultural activities, the availability of adequate water for irrigation plays an important role in the state’s overall development. At present, the net irrigation potential of the state is around 1.5 million hectares (ha) and the cumulative area covered under irrigation stands at 458,000 ha.
Despite the state being endowed with abundant water resources, it has been facing acute shortages. High population density, rapid urbanisation, improper management of water resources, vagaries of climate change, sand mining, intrusion of saline water, etc., have taken a toll on the state’s water resources. In light of the deteriorating condition of the resources, the Kerala government has devised various strategies to deal with the problem of water scarcity. It is also undertaking a number of projects and schemes to improve water availability for irrigation.
Trouble spots: Key factors responsible for water scarcity
One of the key reasons behind the water shortage in Kerala is the high intrusion of salt water. Kerala has a typical coastal aquifer system which is subject to salt water intrusion into the groundwater resources, including wells. Salt water can invade wells whenever the sea level rises, the groundwater table decreases or the aquifers are ruptured. Saline intrusion into the groundwater gravely affects the water supply for agricultural, industrial and domestic uses.
Sand mining in the state has also been significantly, if not equally, responsible for the deteriorating quality of water resources. Continued sand mining has led to obstructions in the free flow of water during the monsoon season. The resulting reduction in the availability of fresh water has affected the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
Big plans: Key initiatives taken to deal with water scarcity
The Kerala government has taken several initiatives to tackle the severe water scarcity in the state. A look at the key initiatives …
Haritha Keralam Mission
Haritha Keralam is an umbrella mission integrating the components of waste management, organic farming and water resource management. The mission envisages revival of water resources, pollution-free water resources, water conservation through local participation, eco-friendly and sustainable waste management, and enhancing organic farming.
The mission involves the implementation of the following sub-missions:
- Household-level segregation and safe disposal of organic waste through feasible options like composting and biogas, arrangements for institutional waste disposal, reuse, recycling and safe disposal of non-degradable and electronic waste.
- Rejuvenation of tanks, ponds, streams and rivers.
- Promoting organic agriculture to produce safe-to-eat vegetables and fruits to make the state self-sufficient.
Overall, under the mission, efforts will be made to conserve and protect 44 rivers, 50,000 ponds and 60,000 wells, lakes and streams.
Other initiatives
In addition, the Kerala government has taken a plethora of other initiatives to deal with water shortages. Presently, five irrigation projects are under implementation in the state. Besides, eight projects have already been completed.
Construction of sewers has also been envisaged, with 354 km of sewer length already completed. The state government has also planned to develop the 1,700 km of navigable inland waterways. Besides, flood control dam projects are in the pipeline to deal with the frequent floods.
The bigger picture
Despite the high rainfall and abundance of natural resources, over exploitation of groundwater resources and poor methods of water conservation have exacerbated the water crisis in the state. Therefore, a multi-pronged approach is required in order to change the state’s water situation.
The state needs to focus on encouraging recycling and reuse of wastewater, timely monitoring of water demand and supply sources, generating public awareness on reducing consumption and wastage of water, optimal utilisation of freshwater resources, energy harvesting, cleaning and beautification of canals, among others things. In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, the Kerala government has proposed a number of initiatives including inter-linking of rivers, flood water management, dam rehabilitation, development of early flood warning systems and a dashboard for information on water resources.
Based on a presentation by Sunil Raj D., executive engineer, Government of Kerala, at a recent India Infrastructure conference