Four districts in Kerala have recurrent summer water stress, says CWRDM study

Kasaragod, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Kozhikode have a high number of wards experiencing recurrent summer water stress, says a study undertaken by the Kozhikode-based government agency Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM).

Water stress is the condition in a particular area during a period when the water demand is higher than its availability. The study titled ‘Kerala Water Resources Assessment 2024: Rainfall, Rivers, Groundwater and Wetlands’ was released recently. It says that Kerala experiences recurrent summer water stress between March and May despite high annual rainfall, driven by uneven seasonal distribution, limited storage, growing demand, and rising heat.

As much as 24.74% of the wards in Kasaragod, 22.01% in Thiruvananthapuram, 20.72% in Pathanamthitta, and 20.48% in Kozhikode are experiencing high water stress. The number of affected wards in Kasaragod, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Kozhikode is 217, 286, 216, and 361, respectively. Malappuram (14.84%), Idukki (10.60%), Alappuzha (10.41%), and Kannur (9.60%) have moderate water stress. In districts such as Kasaragod and Kannur, groundwater depletion and saline intrusion were identified as critical challenges, while in Wayanad and Malappuram, inadequate distribution networks and unreliable municipal supplies aggravated the crisis.

Despite ongoing efforts such as rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, the effectiveness of these interventions was found to be limited due to the increasing demand and insufficient storage capacity. The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach to water management, which includes upgrading infrastructure, promoting sustainable water conservation practices, and improving the efficiency of water distribution systems. It also highlights the importance of community involvement and awareness in managing water resources effectively. Policymakers and local authorities need to implement targeted interventions and develop long-term strategies to alleviate water scarcity, enhance water resilience, and ensure sustainable access to water for all residents in the State, the study says.