kerala-braces-for-the-worst-drought-in-40-years

The state is grappling with water scarcity. The scorching summer has resulted in water scarcity across Kerala. Traditional water sources have started drying up.

 

 Kerala is headed towards a drought situation. As per the CGWB (Central Ground Water Board), 54.55 per cent groundwater has already been used up in the state.

 

In a district-wise breakdown of the data, maximum groundwater depletion was recorded in Kasaragod, that is, 72.75 per cent.

 

Conversely, only 27.67 per cent of groundwater was utilised in Wayanad district, the least among all districts.

 

The water depletion levels stood at 71.55 per cent in Malappuram, 67.73 per cent in Thiruvananthapuram, 61.7 per cent in Kozhikode, 60.94 per cent in Thrissur and 59.75 per cent in Palakkad.

 

It has been learnt that 5,52,727.78 hectare metre (ham) of groundwater is accumulated in the state every year through rain and other means.

 

According to a study, 2,73,046.75 ham water is used for various purposes including domestic and industrial uses, while 2,01,680.07 ham groundwater gets saved for future use in the state.

 

In the monsoon rain, 4,09,062.4 ham water seeps down the ground. Other sources contribute 13,908.45 ham as well. The groundwater is recharged by 44,430.15 ham through rain and by 85,326.78 ham by other means during other seasons.

 

The state government is planning to approach the Centre with the data demanding to declare the state as drought-hit. A meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 3 assessed the drought situation and decided to initiate steps to ensure the distribution of drinking water in drought-hit areas. Agriculture Minister P Prasad has issued an order to form expert committees at the block level to assess the situation. The panel members have been directed to visit drought-hit areas and submit a report by May 9.