well

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is concern that Kerala's thirst for drinking water will not be quenched as the water levels in wells and reservoirs are going dangerously low since the summer is heating up.

The water level in the wells, which people rely on the most, has dropped by an average of two and a half meters. If it doesn't rain, most of the wells will dry up by next month. All districts are facing water shortages.

Kerala is the state where the groundwater level is decreasing the most. The groundwater level has dropped by three feet compared to the previous year. The water level in the rivers has also decreased. The river water has a salty taste as well. Streams and ponds have started to dry up. 90 percent of groundwater has coliform bacteria and this is a health concern. The Centre has sought a report from Kerala about this.

The water level in Vellayani, Sasthamcotta and Pookode freshwater lakes has also decreased. Pollution is also severe in these lakes.

Water level in wells are fallingz

Total wells: 60 lakhs

One meter in 12 lakh (20%) wells

Two meters in 9 lakhs (15%)

3-4 meters in 60,000 wells

Water budget became a line drawn on water

The first Pinarayi government announcement to prepare a comprehensive water budget taking into account the availability, use and future demand of water became line drawn on water. Since 2004, rainwater tanks have been made mandatory in new houses but are not being followed. Increased water consumption has also become a crisis. Domestic connections also increased under the Jal Jeevan mission.

Reasons for falling water level

  1. Unregulated borewell construction
  2. Depletion of groundwater recharging sources
  3. Destruction of mounds that store groundwater
  4. Covering fields and swamps

What is needed is water conservation

  1. Maximum use of summer rains
  2. Do not pollute the water
  3. Ponds should be cleaned and water should be conserved
  4. Rainwater tanks should be installed

Government is saying

  1. Temporary dams in rivers
  2. Inspection to prevent water theft
  3. Campaign to stop misuse of water
  4. Daily pumping will be arranged
  5. Drinking water will be delivered in tanker lorries

Villagers

64.8%: Dependent on wells

24.5%: uses tap water

10.8%: Other water sources

City dwellers

58.9%: Dependent on wells

34.9%: Dependent on tap water

Water requirement in 2031: 4400 crore cubic meters