Water level in dams depletes as drought advances in Kerala

With the drought situation advancing, water level in all major dams in Kerala has depleted to an alarming level causing concern among authorities.
Water level in 20 major reservoirs in the state was about 34.43 per cent less in January, when compared to the water level in these dams in January last year, which has been attributed to the low rainfall both during the south-west and south-east monsoon seasons.
"Yes, the situation is worse... Water level in dams is very grim.In some places, the condition is much worse and in some others, the situation is better due to rains," State Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas told PTI here.

The condition was worse in Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram and in Thiruvananthapuran.
As of now the most affected district was Palakkad, Minister said.
The state has geared up to meet any exigency as the consequence of drought aggravates in coming months, Thomas said, adding several borewells have been made functional.

"We will be able to supply ground water. Also water kiosk's would be provided in all wards of civic bodies," he said.
"The plan is to supply drinking water by bringing it from areas where it was available," he added.
With regard to Palakkad, he said pumping in water treatment plants has been suspended for the past few days.

Due to state government's continuous pressure, the Tamil Nadu government has agreed to release water to Chitoor from Parambikulam-Aliyar project in a day or two, he said adding, "Once we get water, we can resume pumping."
With regard to shortage of rainfall, the minister said
it was 40 per cent less than last year during South-West monsoon.
"Even rains received during the North-East monsoon between September-October was less than the quantity received in deserts," he noted.
Citing the grim situation of water level in dams, he said the Kallada Reservoir, largest capacity dam in the state, the water deficiency was 55 per cent when compared to water level this time last year, he said, adding similar was the condition in Malampuzha dam, the second largest in capacity.

"This is the situation when the state usually receives rainfall. Now summer has begun. The drought is going to be severe in coming four months.Even if the state receives the usual quantity of summer rains, it will not fill the gap caused due to dip in monsoon rains," he said.
"We use to depend on water level in reservoirs to tide over the summer period.But the situation in dams is also very grim," he said.
On alternative measures to fight drought, Thomas said massive programmes to rejuvenate ponds and wells have been taken up.
An awareness campaign on protecting water sources and proper use of drinking water have also been taken up, Thomas said.

An amount of Rs 12.43 crore has been sanctioned for implementing various schemes worked out by Kerala Water Authority to face the drought, he added.