According to a critical study conducted by the Kozhikode-based government agency, the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), four of Kerala’s districts—Kasaragod, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Kozhikode—are experiencing significant and repeated summer water stress. This occurs when the demand for water far exceeds its available supply in a particular area.
The study, aptly titled ‘Kerala Water Resources Assessment 2024: Rainfall, Rivers, Groundwater and Wetlands,’ was recently unveiled. It highlights that despite receiving substantial annual rainfall, Kerala faces persistent summer water scarcity between March and May. This unfortunate reality is largely due to the uneven seasonal distribution of rain, inadequate water storage infrastructure, ever-increasing demand, and escalating summer temperatures.
The findings paint a stark picture: a staggering 24.74% of wards in Kasaragod, 22.01% in Thiruvananthapuram, 20.72% in Pathanamthitta, and 20.48% in Kozhikode are under severe water stress. This translates to 217 affected wards in Kasaragod, 286 in Thiruvananthapuram, 216 in Pathanamthitta, and 361 in Kozhikode. Other districts like Malappuram (14.84%), Idukki (10.60%), Alappuzha (10.41%), and Kannur (9.60%) are grappling with moderate water stress. Specific challenges exacerbate the situation in certain areas: Kasaragod and Kannur battle groundwater depletion and intrusive saline water, while Wayanad and Malappuram struggle with insufficient distribution networks and unreliable municipal water supplies.
Despite ongoing initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, their effectiveness has been limited. The core issues remain the surging demand and insufficient capacity to store water. The CWRDM study strongly advocates for a holistic approach to water management. This includes crucial steps like upgrading existing infrastructure, actively promoting sustainable water conservation practices, and significantly enhancing the efficiency of current water distribution systems. Furthermore, the report stresses the vital role of community engagement and public awareness in effectively managing these precious water resources. It urges policymakers and local authorities to swiftly implement targeted interventions and craft long-term strategies designed to mitigate water scarcity, bolster water resilience, and ultimately guarantee reliable water access for every resident across the State.