KOZHIKODE: Kasaragod has the most drought-prone areas while the least is in Kottayam. This is the drought map prepared in the state. It was also found that some parts (including rural and urban) of all the districts experience severe water scarcity, especially during summer.

The map was prepared to accurately identify panchayats facing severe water shortages in summer and to take precautions. The study was led by the Kozhikode-based Central Water Development and Utilization Center, Kerala Forest Research Institute and the Institute for Climate Change Studies. The map was prepared at the panchayat level in collaboration with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.

The study was conducted in different phases. Major water sources like wells, tube wells and rivers have been affected by the drought. Many panchayats are in the poor to average category on the water poverty index. Hot spots were prepared by identifying the water-scarce panchayats and analyzing the climate.

Areas affected by drought in previous years, areas that did not face shortage of fresh water during drought, areas facing water shortage since the beginning of summer, fresh water crisis due to climate change, general condition of water sources etc. are included in the map.

1. Depletion of groundwater and intrusion of salinity in Kannur is causing water scarcity.

2. Inadequate distribution network in Wayanad and Malappuram affecting water availability in many places