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
What is needed is water conservation
Government is saying
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