Kerala Water Security Plan 2025 Outline

RegionalWorkshopon
'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand
Challenges'
Organizedby
CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India
and
DeptofGeology,UniversityofKerala
21Mar2014
Proceedingsvolume
RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

21Mar2014 1
WATERSECURITYPLANFORKERALA2025
A.SK.NAIR
CentreforEnvironmentandDevelopment
Thozhuvancode,Thiruvananthapuram695013,India
Email:asknair@cedindia.org
Abstract
Waterresourceisofutmostimportantneedtolifesystemandacriticalworldasset.Itisthekeytosocio
economicpolitical development and quality of life in this universe. As the pressures of population and
economicactivitiesconvergeonthemanyfoldincreasedwaterrequirement,thewatersectorwilllargelyface
thechallengeofbridgingthedemandsupplygapworldover. Indiaisnoexceptionandisfacingaserious
waterresourceproblem.FuturisticstudiesrevealthatIndiaisexpectedtobecome'waterstressed'by2025and
'waterscarce'by2050.Inspiteofreceivinganaveragerainfallofaround3000mm,theStateofKeralaisalso
intheprocessofwaterstressedtowaterscarceincomingyearsatleastinfewblockpanchayathsinthe
state.Theincredibledroughtwhichhasbeenaffectingthestaterepeatedlyduringsummermonthsinthelast
fewyearsmayevenaggravatetheabovesituation.Henceitisimportantatthisstageto haveaneffective
Water Resource Management Plan for Water Security (WS) the reliable availability of an acceptable
quantity andquality ofwater for health, livelihoodsand production, coupledwithanacceptable level of
waterrelatedrisks"forKerala.Awatersecureworldintegratesaconcernfortheintrinsicvalueofwaterwith
aconcernforitsuseforhumansurvivalandwellbeing;harnesseswater'sproductivepowerandminimisesits
destructive force; addressing environmental protection and the negative effects of poor management;
concerned with ending fragmented responsibility for water and integrating water resources management
acrossallsectorsfinance,planning,agriculture,energy,tourism,industry,educationandhealth.Itisalso
truethatawatersecureworldreducespoverty,advanceseducationandincreaseslivingstandards;where
thereisanimprovedqualityoflifeforall,especiallyforthemostvulnerableusuallywomenandchildren
whobenefitmostfromgoodwatergovernance.Keralaisexperiencingunprecedentedeconomicandpopulation
growth, giving rise to increased water demand for industrial, municipal and irrigation uses, and for the
production of energy. Sustainability, health and quality of life require that water quality and important
aquaticecosystemhabitatsbeprotected. Managingaresourceofthisimportanceneedsalongtermvision
supportedbywellformulated,executableplannedseriesofactions.SustainableDrinkingWaterSupplyand
Sanitationforall2012;aprogramproposedbytheDepartmentofDrinkingWaterSupplyoftheMinistryof
Rural Development, Government of India, urgedto thedifferent StatesinIndiato examinethe format
designedbytheMinistryforthepreparationofaVillageWaterSecurityPlan(VWSP)andrespondback.
Thesamedocumentwasalsoputinthepublicdomainforexpressingsuggestionsfortheconcerned.However,
ithasbeenfoundthat,littleeffortshavebeenputbythedifferentStatesinIndiaforexaminingeventhe
formatdesignedbytheGovernmentofIndiaforitssubsequentrevisionanditsimplementation.Considering
theneedofthehour,thispaperproposeanoutlinetoevolveaWaterSecurityPlanforKerala2025tobe
executed in different phases, that will continue to support our sustainable growth, quality of life and

21Mar2014 2
environmentnowandinfuture.ItisalsotruethatSustainableDevelopment(SD)willnotbeachievedinthe
absenceofapracticalWaterSecurityPlanforKerala.
Introduction
Waterisaprimenaturalresource,abasichumanneedandapreciousnationalasset(National
WaterPolicy,2012). Itisbasictomanandhisenvironment. Itisneitherinfiniteasisthe
popularbeliefintropicalandhumidregionsnorshouldbetreatedasafreegiftofnature.Since
waterisessentialformanssurvivalandsocioeconomicbettermentaswellasformaintaining
sustainabilityintheprocessofdevelopment,itisimportantthatitisharnessedandmanagedin
anintegratedandequitablemannersoastomeetthedemandsofcompetingwaterusersand
water use sectors. There is a close relationship between water, people and livelihood.
Degradationanddepletionofwaterresourceswillaffectlifeandlivelihoodofallhumanbeing.
Apartfromdrinkingrequirement,waterisneededforbathing,washing,laundering,heatingand
airconditioning, irrigation , industrial processes, water power, steam power, fire protection,
disposalofwastes,fishing,swimming,boatingandotherrecreationalpurposes,fishandwildlife
propagation,navigationandforengineeringconstruction.Watercanthusbeconsideredasthe
most important raw material of civilization since without it man cannot live and industry
cannot operate. The Egyptians were the first people to record methods for treating water.
These records date back more than 1,500 years to 400 A.D. They indicate that the most
commonwaysofcleaningwaterwerebyboilingitoverafireheatingitinthesun,orbydipping
aheatedpieceofironintoit.Filteringboilingwaterthroughsandandgravelandthenallowing
ittocoolwasanothercommontreatmentmethod(Nairetal.,2009).
Water Resource Management (WRM) plays a pivotal role in the planning process.
Inspiteofreceivinganaveragerainfallofaround3000mm,theStatefacesshortageinwater
supply during the summer months. Water is one of the few natural resources which is
abundantly foundin the Stateof Kerala inthe form of a largechain ofbackwater bodies,
wetlands,riversandriverbasins,largenumberoftempletanks,ponds,dugwells,tubewells,
borewells,springsandlargenumberofsmallandbigreservoirs.However,thewaterlevelin
theriverslowerssubstantiallyforaboutsixmonthsinyearandlargenumberofwellsdryup
duringsummermonthswhichultimatelyresultsinafallinthegroundwatertable.Thesupply
anddemandofwaterfordifferentendusessuchas,drinkingwatersupply,sanitation,irrigation,
industries,powergeneration,fisheries,navigationandrecreationuseverincreasingduetothe
increaseinhumanandanimalpopulation.Thewaterwhichwasonceconsideredasafreegift
of nature has now become more and more scarce commodity. Hence it is important and
essentialtohaveamorescientificplanningforaproperareawiseutilisationofalltheavailable
waterresourcesandtheirsensiblemanagementatState/Districtlevel.Theannualyieldofthe
riverbasinsinthestateisfoundtobe78,401millioncubicmeters(MCM)ofwhich70,323
MCMisavailableforthestate.
Most of the Keralas rivers are perennial but with accompanying deficit during lean
seasons.Theannualutilisableyieldfrom44riversis49,286MCMformsabout70%ofthetotal
yieldwiththestatesharebeing87%isabout42,772MCM.ThegroundwaterpotentialofKerala
isverylowascomparedtothatofmanyotherstatesinthecountry.Keralahasareplenishable
groundwaterresourceof6,841MCM. Thenetgroundwateravailabilityoftheentirestateis
6,029BCMin200809(CGWB2012).InordertohaveaviableWaterResourceManagement,
WaterSecurityisthemostimportantandfirststeptobetaken.
WaterSecurity. WaterSecuritymaybedefinedas"thereliableavailabilityofanacceptable
quantityandqualityofwaterforhealth,livelihoodsandproduction,coupledwithanacceptable
levelofwaterrelatedrisks"(Anonwiki2012).Sustainabledevelopmentwillnotbeachieved
withoutawatersecureworld.Awatersecureworldintegratesaconcernfortheintrinsicvalue
ofwaterwithaconcernforitsuseforhumansurvivalandwellbeing.Awatersecureworld
harnesses water's productive power and minimises its destructive force. Water security also

21Mar2014 3
meansaddressingenvironmentalprotectionandthenegativeeffectsofpoormanagement.Itis
alsoconcernedwithendingfragmentedresponsibilityforwaterandintegratingwaterresources
management across all sectors finance, planning, agriculture, energy, tourism, industry,
educationandhealth.Awatersecureworldreducespoverty,advanceseducation,andincreases
livingstandards.Itisaworldwherethereisanimprovedqualityoflifeforall,especiallyforthe
mostvulnerableusuallywomenandchildrenwhobenefitmostfromgoodwatergovernance.
Keralaisexperiencingunprecedentedeconomicandpopulationgrowth,givingrisetoincreased
waterdemandforindustrial,municipalandirrigationuses,andfortheproductionofenergy.
Sustainability, health and quality of life require that water quality and important aquatic
habitatsbeprotected.Managingaresourceofthisimportancerequiresalongtermvisionanda
wellplannedseriesofactionsisdescribedintheWaterSecurityPlan(WSP).
WaterSecurityPlan(WSP). Waterbeingoneofourmostimportantresources,itseffective
managementcannotcompromiseonanyreasonasWaterManagementrestsundertheState
responsibility.Consideringtheneedofthehour,anoutlineofWSPisproposedsoastoevolvea
10yearWaterSecurityPlanforKeralatobeexecutedindifferentphases,thatwillcontinue
tosupportoursustainablegrowth,qualityoflifeandenvironmentnowandinfuture.
Inmanagingthedifferentwatersystemsinthestate,alongtermviewthatprojectsfuturewater
needsandevaluatesthemagainstpresentneedsandecologicalrequirementshelpsaplantobe
developed that ensures these multiple demands are met. This requires sitespecific and
comprehensivetechnicalevaluationsthatmightincludedeterminingthestatusofpresentwater
withdrawalsandinputs,anticipatedfuturewaterdemands,waterquality,cumulativeimpacts,
andecosystemhealth.Thisinformationcouldformabasisuponwhichobjectivesandstrategies
forfuturewateruseandcurrentmanagementdecisionscanbemade.Thismaybeparticularly
important in areas where water resources are vulnerable or subject to significant water use
pressuresduetogrowth. Manywatermanagementinitiatives,suchasimplementingsource
water protection plans or developing new infrastructure, take years to plan and complete.
Planningfor10yearsensurestheneedsoffuturegenerationsareconsideredandallowsforthe
time frame required for longterm water management initiatives. Citizens and Society will
benefit from better protection of wetlands, lakes, rivers, different typesof tanks andponds,
differenttypesofwells(dugwells,tubewellsandborewells),irrigationcanalsanddrinking
watersupplies.Thestatemusthaveitvisionforsuccessinmajorareaslike;SustainableWater
Supplies,SafeDrinkingWater,ProtectionofWater,SafeandSustainableWaterManagement
Infrastructure, Flood and Drought Mitigation, Reliable Data and Information, and Effective
GovernanceandEngagement.
TheWSPmusthaveaVisionandPrinciplestobefollowedalongwithgoalsandactions.Some
actionsmaybeshorttermandabletobeimplementedquickly,otherswillrequireconsultation,
researchandanalysis andwillbeimplemented overalongerperiod..Theplanwillsupport
innovationinapproachingwatermanagementchallenges.Bysettingdirectiontoensurelong
termwatersecurity,theplanwillhelpbuildapositivebusinessenvironmenttosupportKeralas
continuinggrowth.
VisionWaterforcontinuedsustainablegrowth,qualityoflifeandenvironmentalwellbeing.
Principles:BasedonLongtermperspective,Waterforfuturegenerations,Integratedapproach
to water management, Public Private Partnership, Value of Water and Informed Riskbased
Management(AnonCanada2012):
LongTerm Perspective Todays watermanagement decisions will beundertaken within the

contextofa10yearstrategicplan.

21Mar2014 4
WaterforFutureGenerationsAsustainableapproachtowaterusewillprotectthequalityand
quantityofwaterforthepresentandforthefuture,benefitinghumanhealthandcommunities
andpromotingathrivingeconomy.
Integrated Approach to Water Management Water decisions will integrate the multiple
objectivesandinformationpertaining totheeconomicdevelopment,ecological,hydrological,
andsocialaspectsofwatertoachieveabalancedoutcome.
Public, Private Partnerships and Participation The Government of Kerala need to facilitate
collaborationinthedevelopmentandimplementationofwatermanagementdecisions.
ValueofWaterWaterwillbetreatedasafiniteresourceandusedefficientlyandeffectivelyto
bestreflectitseconomic,socialandenvironmentalimportance.
Informed,RiskbasedManagement Watermanagementwillincorporateconsiderationofrisk
andbesupportedbyresearchanddata.
GoalsandActionAreas
Goal1:EnsurethesustainabilityofKeralassurfaceandgroundwatersuppliestosupport
opportunitiesforgrowthGrowthwillbringwithitanincreasingdemandforwaterandwater
servicestosatisfyourdomestic,agriculture,business,industry,environmental,recreation,and
powergenerationneeds.Waterconservationcanmoderatethisgrowingdemand,butadditional
infrastructuresuchasdams,weirs,checkdamsandirrigationchannelsmayalsoberequired.
Thekeytoensuringsustainabilitywillbethedevelopmentofanewapproachtowaterallocation
thatissupportedbylegislationifneeded.
Action Area 1.1 Efficient Use of Water: Managing water demand and use through
conservationpracticesisacriticalstrategytorelieveincreasedpressuresonsupplies.Efficiencies
can be achieved in a number of ways, including the implementation of appropriate pricing
strategies, establishment of sectorbased conservation targets (industrial, agriculture and
municipal)andthepromotionofnewpracticesandtechnologies.
ActionArea1.2NewWaterSupplyInfrastructure:Managingwaterdemandandusemaynot
fullyaddresstheneedsrelatedtoeconomicandpopulationgrowthinthestate.Additionalwater
infrastructure,includingnewreservoirs,pipelinesandcanalsmaybenecessarytosecurethe
water needed for growth. New infrastructure is costly to build and maintain, and requires
significant ongoingfunding.Longtermplanning is neededto anticipatewatersupplyneeds,
identifyoptionstomeetneedsanddesignandconstructnewinfrastructure.
Action Area 1.3 Framework for Water Allocation: Industrial, oil and gas, fertilisers and
irrigation expansion are important growth sectors and all rely on adequate and sustainable
watersupplies. Status ofvirtual water should becarefully considered bythesupply regime.
Thesedevelopmentopportunitiesplacedemandsonwaterresourcesandcanpotentiallyaffect
other uses, such as: municipal; recreational; power generation and ecological. This raises
challenging questions around setting water use priorities and understanding the tradeoffs
inherent in those decisions. Appropriate allocation rules are needed to achieve the desired
balanceofwatermanagementobjectives.Awaterallocationframeworkincludesconsideration
ofwateruseandassociatedworks,andcanaddresssuchissuesas:achievingandsustaining
optimaluseofwaterthatbestservesthepublicinterest;modern,resultsbasedapprovalsand
licensing;protecting ecosystemsandenvironmentalflows;andidentifying theusesthat best
servethepublicinterest(issuesregardingsupplyofwatertothepopulationinandaroundatthe
originalsourceofwater).
ActionArea1.4ClimateChangeAdaptation: Climatechangemodelssuggestthatextreme
events, including drought and flooding, could become more frequent and more severe. In
addition,timingofrunoff,changesinstreamflow,increasedevaporation,andimpactsinwater

21Mar2014 5
qualitymightoccur.Thisisfurthercomplicatedbecausesteadyhydrologicregimeisnolonger
consideredtobeavalidassumptioninmanagingwater.Inanycase,thereisuncertaintyasto
the specific hydrological impacts and it is prudent to anticipate changes in our future and
considerthoseindecisionmaking.
Goal2:Ensuredrinkingwatersafetybyprotectingsuppliesfromthesourcetothetap
Drinkingwatersafetyinvolvesaseriesofsafeguardsalongthewatersupplyroutetopreventor
reducepotentialcontamination.Thekeyactionsinimprovingthesafetyofdrinkingwaterin
Keralaaregroundandsurfacesourcewaterprotectionandmonitoring,waterworksoperator
training, appropriate treatment processes and equipment, infrastructure maintenance and
inspection, drinking water quality monitoring, information management systems, and public
educationinitiatives.
ActionArea2.1PublicSystems:Themunicipalandotherpublicwatersystemshavebenefited
from improved regulatory and enforcement activities. However, meeting standards can be
difficult for some small communities and municipal water infrastructure requires ongoing
maintenanceandperiodicrenewal.Tocontinuetoimproveonthesafetyofdrinkingwater,the
keyelementsforconsiderationcouldinclude:soundwaterqualityandoperationalstandards
and advice; ongoing training and certification opportunities; a continued comprehensive
inspectionandauditpolicy;enhancedcompliancetoolsandenhancedsourcewaterprotection.
ActionArea2.2PrivateSystems: Largenumberof peopleobtaintheirwaterfromprivate

systems,includingthoselivinginmetrosaswellasonfarmsandacreagesandusersofsemi
publicsystemssuchasthosefoundatworkcamps.Operatorsandusersofthesesystemsmight
benefitfromadditionalsupportandinformationastohowtobestmaintainsafedrinkingwater
systems. Atpresent,thereislimitedregulatoryoversightofthesesystems. In higherdensity
developmentsthatrelyonprivatewatersystems,onethreatispotentialcontaminationfrom
land uses and private sewage systems. Actions such as increased testing of water, proper
maintenance,operationanddesignandappropriatesourcewaterprotectioncanreducetherisk
ofdrinkingwaterrelatedillness.
Goal3:Ensurewaterqualityandecosystemfunctionaresustained Watersuppliesareof
much greater value for all uses if water quality and ecosystem function are maintained.
Furthermore, source water protection is an essential component of drinking water safety.
Contaminationofsurfaceorgroundwater,degradationofecologicalhealthandfunction,and
lossofbiodiversitycomeswithrealeconomic,social,andenvironmentalcosts.Theseinclude
health risks, loss of recreational opportunity, loss of ecosystem services and biodiversity,
ecologicaldamage,reducedwatersupply, andincreasedwatertreatmentcosts.Localsource
water protection planning can be an effective approach to identify ways to achieve water
protection.
ActionArea3.1WaterQuality:Threatstowatercomefrompointsources,suchasindustrial
andmunicipaleffluentandcontaminatedsites,andnonpointsources,suchaslandusepractices
thatleadtothetransportationofsoil,pesticides,fertilizers,nutrientsandmanureintowater
bodies(mostlyriversandlakes)andtherebygroundwater.Waterqualityprotectionusually
bringslakesandstreamstomind.However,aquifersareavaluablepartofoursupplyandonce
contaminated,canbeverydifficulttorestore.Riskstoaquifersoccurinrechargeareas,where
contaminantscanmovedownwiththewater,andwhenhumanactivities,suchaswelldrilling,
breach the protective layers of clay that protect many aquifers. Applications of fertilizer,
chemicals and effluent discharge through septic fields on areas with limited barriers to the
aquifercreateriskofcontaminatingawatersupply. Failuretomaintainthequalityofwater
supplieswillplaceadditionalstressesonKeralasabilitytomeetthedemandsforwatercreated
byagrowingpopulationandeconomy.Ensuringtheprotectionofwaterqualitycaninclude

21Mar2014 6
regulatory and nonregulatory approaches to address sitespecific and cumulative impacts of
waterandlanddevelopmentandmanagementpractices.
ActionArea3.2Wetlands: Wetlandsarebodiesofwaterthatcoverthesoilforaperiodof
timeduringthegrowingseason.Theirbenefitsvaryasafunctionoftheirlocationwithinthe
watershed,theirphysicalcharacteristics,areaanddepthandtheaveragelengthoftimethey
containwaterduringtheyear.Itiswellestablishedthattheycanbeimportanthabitatformany
differentplantsandanimals,andsupportmaintenanceofbiodiversity.Wetlandscanprovidea
meansofwaterstoragewhichcanprovidebenefitsduringdryperiodsandhelpreducerunoff
during moderate flood events. They can also provide water quality benefits and some are
effectiveatremovalofnutrients,sediment,metalsandpathogens.
ActionArea3.3EcosystemHealthandBiodiversityProtection:Waterandlanddevelopment
and management practices can have longterm consequences on aquatic ecosystems both
directly,byalteringbedsandshores, andindirectly, bymodifying naturalflow regimes and
waterlevels.Maintainingbiodiversity,fisherieshabitatandspeciesatriskmustbeconsidered
whenmakingdecisionsrelatingtowaterandlanduses.
Action Area 3.4 Local Source Water Protection Planning: The source water protection
planning process brings together communities, stakeholder groups and local governments to
developobjectivesandpotentialstrategiesfortheprotectionofwaterintheirlocalwatershedor
aquifer.Planningconductedbywatershedresidentscaninformtheirgramapanchayatsabout
localperspectivesonwaterrelatedlandmanagementissues.Planningalsoprovidescommittee
memberswithtechnicalinformationrelatedtowatermanagement,sourcewaterprotectionand
engages the public. Planning outcomes include locally led and collaborative initiatives to
improve water quality and the protection of water ecosystems. Water maps derived out of
Resourcemappingprogramareavailablewiththegramapanchayats,theplancommitteescan
effectivelyutilisethesameforthepurpose.
Goal4:EnsureinfrastructuresafetymeetswatersupplyandmanagementneedsDamsand
watersupplynetworkownedbythe governmentplayacentralroleinensuringasustainable
watersupplyandgenerationofpower.Muchofthisinfrastructureinthestateisagingand
requires rehabilitation; failure of these works could put property and human safety at risk.
Furthermore,competingwaterusesandmanagingfloodanddroughteventsmakesplanning
andmanaginginfrastructureoperationsacomplextask.
ActionArea4.1InfrastructureSafetyandMaintenance: Toensureadequatewatersupply
andpublicsafety,infrastructuremustbeofanadequatestandard,ingoodoperatingcondition.
TheKeralaWaterAuthority,CommandAreaDevelopmentAuthorities,DamSafetyAuthorityof
Kerala,PWDandotherorganisationsneedtoadoptrequiredstepsinthisregard.
Action Area 4.2 Infrastructure Benefits and Sustainable Operation: Many reservoirs,
particularly larger ones, are designed to provide an array of benefits including municipal,
industrial, irrigation water supply, hydropower generation, and recreational use and flood
control.However,someusesareinconflictwitheachotherandinappropriatelandusearound
reservoirscandetrimentallyrestrictoperatingoptions.Areservoiroperatingplandefineshow
the reservoir is best operated to meet the needs of various users, and addresses issues like
shorelineprotection,fisheriesandspeciesatrisk,habitatprotectionandhowtomanageflood
anddroughtevents.
Goal5:Ensuremeasuresareinplacetoeffectivelyrespondtofloodsanddrought Floods
anddroughtarenaturaleventsthatwillcontinuetooccur.Theycancausesignificanthardship

21Mar2014 7
and must be appropriately addressed to reduce their effect on the provincial economy and
preventpotentialsocialandenvironmentaldamage.Researchindicatesthatclimatechangemay
intensifythedegreeandfrequencyoftheseextremesinthecomingdecadesandtheflexibilityto
adapttothesesituationswillbecomeincreasinglyimportant.Possibilityforcontainingtheflood
watersandeffectivelyutilisingthesameduringdroughtperiodwillbeachallengingexercisefor
engineersandscientistsofourstate.
Action Area 5.1 Flood Damage Prevention and Emergency Response in Developed Areas:
Floodscancausesignificant damagetoresidential, commercial,andmunicipalpropertyand
infrastructure. District level disaster Management authorities and flood mitigation units are
presentlylinkedwiththerespectivedistrictheadquarters,howevertheireffectiveinvolvementin
mitigationoffloodareyettobeproved.Thebestapproachtoflooddamagepreventionisto
mapfloodproneareasandkeepvulnerabledevelopmentsoutofthefloodplains.TheKerala
Government now has regulations that prevent building in flood plains. However, many
developments already exist in flood prone areas, emphasizing the need for forecasting,
emergencyresponseandfloodprotectionmeasures.ThePaddyBill(2008)specificallyaddress
theverysameproblems.
ActionArea5.2AgriculturalDrainageandFloodingDrainingagriculturallandcanimprove
theefficiencyoffarmingoperationsbyeliminatingobstaclesandallowinglandownerstogain
earlieraccessto theirfieldsactivitieswithsignificantandimmediateeconomicbenefitsto
farmers through the Padasekhara Samithy. During years with above average rainfall, large
areas of farmland can be flooded which have a significant economic impact on producers.
However, inappropriate and unorganized drainage can affect neighbouring landowners and
receivingwaterbodies.Therearecallsforgovernmenttorespondtounauthorizeddrainagewith
increasedenforcement. Thereisalackofunderstandingandappreciationoftheimpactsof
drainageandthebenefitsthataccruetothefarmerwhodrains. Potentialsolutionsinclude:
education; effective management options (including watershed and organized drainage
approachesandencouragingwetlandretentionandrestoration);toolsforconflictresolution;an
appropriateregulatoryandcomplianceframework;andincreasedenforcement.TheSecretary
andtheAgricultureOfficeravailableineachgramapanchayathofthestatemaybeentrusted
inkeepingawatchontheabovesaidissues.
Action Area 5.3 Drought Response: Drought is a recurring phenomenon and historic data
suggeststhatoverthepastseveralcenturiestherehavebeenanumberofdroughtsmoresevere
thananyexperiencedduringthelastcentury.TheMeteorologicalDepartmentthroughtheirfield
stationsinstatehaveamoisturemonitoringplan.Fromtheperspectiveofawaterstrategy,
approachestoreducetheconsequencesofhydrologicdroughtinclude:provisionofemergency
watersupplies;betterprivateandregionalwatersupplysystems;waterstorageinfrastructure;
efficient useandreuseof water; and effectivewaterrationing andsharingstrategies.These
activitiescouldformpartofacomprehensiveprovincialapproachtodrought.
Goal6:Ensureadequatewaterinformationisavailabletosupportdecisionmaking The
collectionandassessmentofdatacreatesfundamentalknowledgeaboutourwatercriticalto
understanding and addressing potential threats to water and supporting wise use of water.
Publicaccesstoinformationaboutavailablewatersupplies,floodanddroughtrisks,andother
priorityinformationaboutwateriscriticaltopublicsafetyandtopromotingunderstandingand
effectivedecisionmaking.Waterresearchwillbecriticaltoinnovationandincreasingourability
tosuccessfullymanagewater.
Action Area 6.1 Data Collection and Management Effective water management in the
provincerequiresustoidentifyimportantinformationrequirementsandthenstrategicallyand

21Mar2014 8
effectivelygather,manageandanalyzetheneededdata.Thisincludesinformationrelatedto
groundandsurfacewaterquality,streamflow,wateruseandavailability,drainageactivity,and
infrastructure.Increaseduseofinternetbasedsubmissionofwateruseinformationmayalso
improvetheefficiencyofdatacollectionandassessment.
ActionArea6.2CommunicationandInformationProvidingclientsandthepublicwitheasily
accessible information relatedto surfaceand ground watersupplies and qualitycan help in
development planning and decisionmaking. Information about effective land and water
management practices, water conservation and efficiency, and regulatory requirements can
optimize management of water and provide clients with the tools they need to optimize
economicopportunities.Effectiveemergencycommunicationisimportantforpublicsafetyand
damageprevention.
ActionArea6.3ResearchPartnershipsStrategicallyaimingresearchatkeygapsinourwater
resource knowledge will improve our ability to protect and reliably use water resources.
Examplesmayincludedeterminationofenvironmentalflowneeds,understandingofnutrient
loading, identification of critical wetlands, or understanding impacts of climate change.
Research can also lead to innovative approaches to address water management issues. A
researchpartnershipconsortiumofagenciesandinstitutions,suchastheCentralGroundWater
Board,StateGroundWaterDepartment,CWRDM,CESS,UniversitiesinKerala,KWA,Jalanidhi,
CCDUandothersmaybeformulatedsothat,easytransferofdataamongthesememberssoas
toenhanceresearch.TheongoingnationwideprojectonAquifermappingbytheMinistryof
WaterResourcesoftheGovernment ofIndiacanmakesignificantcontributionstowardsthe
WaterSecurityPlanforKeralaState.
Goal 7: Ensure water management and decisionmaking processes are coordinated,

comprehensiveandcollaborativeGovernanceincludestherules,processesandstructuresby
which decisions are made and has a significant impact on the outcomes of those decisions.
Becausewateris essential to somany human activities, water management is an issue that
crossesmostsectorsofsocietyandlevelsofgovernment.Integratedgovernanceaimstoaccount
forthiscomplexitybyconsideringthemanyaspectsofwatermanagementwithinlegislation,
planning processes, organizations, and coordinating bodies. Effective public engagement can
promote cooperation and strong working relationships that strengthen the Keralas water
managementcapacity.
ActionArea7.1ModernLegislation:Successfulwatermanagementrequiresthattheresource
beregulatedsimplyandeffectivelytoensuresustainabilitywhilemeetingtheneedsofusers.
WaterislargelyaStatesresponsibilityandStateWaterPolicymustevolveinconjunctionwith
thatoftheNationalWaterPolicy(2012). Ifrequirednewlegislationmaybeformulatedfor
addressingthepresentandpossiblefuturewatermanagementissues.Aneffectivecompliance
andenforcementapproachisneededtocomplementnewlegislation.Issuesonsharingwater
resourcesbetweenTamilNaduandKarnatakaneedstobesettledamicablyasandwhenthey
cropup.Jointcommitteemaybedesignedwellinadvance,sothattheissuescouldbesettledin
theadministrativelevelratherthansortinginthepoliticallevels.
ActionArea7.2StateGovernmentandCentralGovernmentCoordination:Largenumberof
StateGovernmentshavespecificneedbasedinterestandregulatoryrolerelatedtowatersector.
For example, in addition to core water management responsibilities like drinking water,
allocation,andwaterqualityprotection,waterisconsideredintheareasofresourceextraction,
agriculturalactivities,ruralandurbandevelopment,andtransportationinfrastructure.Kerala
State is largely responsible for protecting water resources and its management in the state.
Effectivemeansofcoordinationandcollaborationarecriticaltoaddressingtheseissues.

21Mar2014 9
ActionArea7.3InterjurisdictionalWaterManagement:Watercrossesstateboundaries,and
interjurisdictionalmanagementwiththeTamilNaduandKarnatakagovernments.Inmostcases,
Keralahastransboundaryagreementswithregardtohowsurfacewaterissharedandqualityis
maintained.Similaragreementsregardinggroundwaterisalsorequired.Coordinatedplanning
anddecisionmakingbodiesandimprovedcollaborativeapproachescanhelptoprevent and
addressinterjurisdictionalissues.
Action Area 7.4 Engagement with the Public and First Nations: Engaging citizens and
communities can improve water management decisions. An engaged citizenry makes better
waterstewards.Waterdevelopmentprojectsanddecisionshavethepotentialtohaveanegative
impactontreatyandaboriginalrights.
Conclusion
A draft on Water Security Plan for Kerala2025 has been proposed for debate, discussion,
modification and for an effective implementation, so the State of Kerala may not strave for
Waterincomingyears.IntegratedWatershedManagementProgramiscurrentlyinoperationon
allthe14districtsofKerala.SustainableDrinkingWaterSupplyandSanitationforall2012;a
programbytheDepartmentofDrinkingWaterSupplyoftheMinistryofRuralDevelopment,
GovernmentofIndia,proposedaVillageWaterSecurityPlan(VWSP).Itisveryimportantto
notethatalargenumberofgovernmentalagenciesareworkinginthewatersectorinKerala.
IftheGovernmentofKeralaconsiderWaterSecurityfortheStateasaseriousone,itcantake
necessarystepsforapossibleeffectivecoordinationwithalltheabovereferredagencies,foran
emergenceofWaterSecurityPlanforKeralaanditseffectiveimplementation. Ithasbeen
provedelsewherethatSustainableDevelopment(SD)willnotbeachievedintheabsenceofa
practicalWaterSecurityPlan.
Acknowledgements:Thematerialforthispaperhasbeenlargelydrawnfromdifferentwebsites
ofUNESCO,DFID,GEFandWaterSecuritystatuspapersfromdifferentcountries.Theauthor
sincerelythankallofthem.
References
Annon,(2012)NationalWaterPolicy,MinistryofWaterResources,GovernmentofIndia,21p.
Annon.(2012)DynamicGroundWaterresourcesofKerala(200809),CGWBandGWD,
Thiruvananthapuram,269p.
Annon.(2012)Watersecurity,Wikipedia,thefreeencyclopedia.
Annon. (2010)Water Security for India:Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses, New
Delhi,121p.
Annon.(2012)25yearwatersecurityplandocument,SaskatchewanWatershedAuthority,
Canada,30p.
Annon.(2012)WaterAtlas,CGWB,Thiruvananthapuram
Nair,A.S.K.(2009)PerspectivefordecentralisedwaterresourcesplanninginKerala,,Proc.
ofKeralaEnvironmentCongress,CED,Thiruvananthapuram,pp.127142.
Nair, A.S.K. (2009) A new scientific and management approach to water related natural
disasters,Proc.ofKeralaEnvironmentCongress,CED,Thiruvananthapuram,pp.143154.
Sandhya, S.N., Nanda Mohan, V. and Nair,A.S.K. (2009) Drinking water for
Thiruvananthapuram District, Proc. of Kerala Environment Congress, CED,
Thiruvananthapuram,pp.229241.
ManywebsitesonWaterSecurityandrelatedtopics.

21Mar2014 10
WETLANDCONSERVATIONANDCOASTALZONE
MANAGEMENTPOLICIESANDLEGALFRAMEWORK
P.Harinarayanan
CoordinatorWetlandTechnicalUnit,KSCSTE
SasthraBhavan,Pattom,Thiruvananthapuram695004,India
Email:pharinarayanan@gmail.com
Abstract
Wetlands, whether manmade or natural, fresh water or brackish, play a vital role in maintaining the
environmentalsustainabilityoftheurbanareas.Thesewaterbodiesperformsignificantenvironmental,social
andeconomicfunctions,rangingfrombeingasourceofdrinkingwater,recharginggroundwater,andacting
as sponges to control flooding, supporting biodiversity and providing livelihoods. Despite knowing their
environmental,socialandeconomicsignificance,thesewaterbodiesarebeingcontinuouslyignoredandthe
netresultisitsdegradation.
Introduction
Wetlandsaredefineddifferentlybycountriesintheirdomesticlegislations.Mostofthecountries
are given narrow interpretation to the definition in order to limit the ambit and scope of
protectiontowetlands.Accordingtomostwidespreaddefinitionwetlandsaredefinedas:"lands
transitionalbetweenterrestrialandaquaticecosystemswherethewatertableisusuallyator
nearthesurfaceorthelandiscoveredbyshallowwater".Thereare163contractingpartiesto
the Ramsar Convention. But there is no sufficient legislative protection available in many
countries to protect wetlands. The non protection of wetlands is mainly attributed to its
categorisationinlegislationsdifferentlyfromonecountrytoanothercountry.UndertheRamsar
ConventiononWetlands,"wetlands"aredefinedinArticles1.1and2.1asshownbelow:
Article1.1:
ForthepurposeofthisConventionwetlandsareareasofmarsh,fen,peatlandorwater,whether
naturalorartificial,permanentortemporary,withwaterthatisstaticorflowing,fresh,brackishor
salt,includingareasofmarinewaterthedepthofwhichatlowtidedoesnotexceedsixmetres.
Article2.1providesthatwetlands:
mayincorporateriparianandcoastalzonesadjacenttothewetlands,andislandsorbodiesof
marinewaterdeeperthansixmetresatlowtidelyingwithinthewetlands.
TheIndiandefinitionisasfollows:

21Mar2014 11
wetlandmeansanareaorofmarsh,fen,peatlandorwater;naturalorartificial,permanentor
temporary,withwaterthatisstaticorflowing,fresh,brackishorsalt,includingareasofmarine
water,thedepthofwhichatlowtidedoesnotexceedsixmetersandincludesallinlandwaterssuch
aslakes,reservoir,tanks,backwaters,lagoon,creeks,estuariesandmanmadewetlandandzoneof
directinfluenceonwetlandsthatistosaythedrainageareaorcatchmentregionofthewetlandsas
determinedbytheauthoritybutdoesnotincludemainriverchannels,paddyfieldsandthecoastal
wetlandcoveredunderthenotificationoftheGovernmentofIndiaintheMinistryofenvironment
andForest,S.O.number114(E)datedthe19 thFebruary,1991(CRZnotification).
The Kerala Conservation of Paddy land and Wetland Act, 2008 defines wetland in Section
2(XVII)as:wetlandmeanslandlyingbetweenterrestrialandaquaticsystems,wherethewater
tableisusuallyatornearthesurfaceorwhichiscoveredbyshallowwaterorcharacterizedbythe
presence of sluggishly moving or standing water, saturating the soil with water and includes
backwaters,estuary,fens,lagoon,mangroves,marshes,saltmarshandswampforestsbutdoesnot
includepaddylandsandrivers
LegalframeworkinIndia
The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was the most comprehensive, effective and oldest piece of
legislationenactedtoprotectenvironmentatthetimewhenenvironmentalproblemshadnot
assumedthreateningdimensionsastheyhavetoday.LatertheConstitution(42ndAmendment)
Act,1976markedthebeginningofanewmilestoneinthehistoryofenvironmentalprotectionin
India. Article 48A requires that The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the
environmentandtosafeguardtheforestsandwildlifeofthecountry.Art.51A(g)provides
that, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural
environmentincludingforests,lakes,riversandwildlifeandtohavecompassionforliving
creatures. These two Articles direct the State and the citizens the duty not only to adopt
protectivemeasures,butalsotakestepstoimprovethealreadypollutedenvironmentandto
preserveandsafeguardtheforests,floraandfauna.
ThethreelistsUnion,StateandConcurrentListsdonotclearlymentionastowhowill
legislateformattersrelatingtothewetlands.AlthoughtheStateListconsistsofanumberof
itemslikepublichealthandsanitation,agriculture,watersupply,irrigationanddrainageand
fisheries,theUnionListisapparentlywithoutamentionoftheenvironment.Yet,theArticle253
empowerstheParliamenttolegislateforanyresidualmatterandtoimplementinternational
obligationsanddecisionstakenattheinternationalconference,associationetc.Forestryasa
subjectfindsmentionspecificallyintheConcurrentList.IntheConstitution,waterisamatter
includedinEntry17ofListIIi.e.StateList.Thewetlandsaremostlyconsideredaswaterbodies
andcomeundertheStateListandStateshavetheexclusivejurisdictionpasslegislationsupon
wetlandsinthefederalsystemofIndia.
Article51CoftheConstitutionprovidesthatfosterrespectforInternationalLawand
Treatyobligationsinthedealingsoforganizedpeoplewithoneanother.Article253ofthe
ConstitutionfurtherprovidesthatNotwithstandinganythingintheforegoingprovisionsofthis
Chapter,ParliamenthaspowertomakeanylawforthewholeoranypartoftheTerritoryof
Indiaforimplementinganytreaty,agreementorconventionwithanyothercountryorcountries
or any decision made at any International Conference, Association or Other body. Reading
thesetwoprovisionsoftheConstitutiontogethermakesitclearthatIndianParliamenthasthe
powertolegislateupontoimplementanytreatyobligationofthecountry.Thesepositionswere
widelydiscussedbytheIndianjudiciaryinmanycasesandcometotheconclusionthatThe
positive commitment of the State parties ignites legislative action at home but does not
automaticallymakethecovenantanenforceablepartoftheCorpusJurisofIndia.16 Itcanbe
concluded that sofar theUnion is not enacted a fullfledged law to implement the Ramsar
Convention at municipal level mainly due to the constraint under the Constitution. But the

21Mar2014 12
Constitutional provisions, Article 51C read with 253 empowers the Central Government to
legislateuponissuesrelatedtotheimplementationofanytreatyprovisionscommittedbythe
Union.OncetheUnionisobligedunderinternationallaw,itsconstituentparts,thestatesare
alsoboundbytheinternationallaw.Hence,itisthedutyofeverystatetopassappropriate
legislationstoprotectwetlandsintheirstate.
TheEnvironment(Protection)Act,1986isanumbrellaActwhichwasenactedwiththe
objectiveofprotectingandimprovingtheenvironment andformattersconnectedtherewith.
'Environment'asdefinedinSection2oftheEnvironment(Protection)Actincludedwater,air
andlandandtheinterrelationshipwhichexistsbetweenwater,airandlandandhumanbeings
and other living creatures, plants and microorganisms and property. The Environment
(Protection)Act,1986hasbeeninstrumentalinprotectingwetlandsandgroupsofwetlands.
Several significant regulations and Notifications have been passed under this broad Act for
monitoring pollution and safeguarding the environment. The Coastal Regulation Zone
Notificationwhichinfactimposesrestrictionsonindustries,operationsandprocessesinthe
coastalzoneareas(500metresfromtheHighTideLineandtheareabetweentheHighTide
Line and the Low Tide Line) has been issued under this Act. The Environment Impact
Assessment Notification of 1994 and 2006 was also issued under this Act. Section 3 of the
Environment(Protection)ActdealswiththepoweroftheCentralGovernmenttotakemeasures
toprotectandimprovetheenvironment.Thesectionreadsasfollows:
Section3(1)SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct,theCentralGovernmentshallhavethepower
totakeallsuchmeasuresasitdeemsnecessaryorexpedientforthepurposeofprotectingand
improvingthequalityoftheenvironmentandpreventing,controllingandabatingenvironmental
pollution.Suchmeasuresmayinclude:
Section 3 (v) restrictions of areas in which industries, operations and processes or class of
industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or carried out subject to certain
safeguards.
TheGovernmentofIndianotifiedtheWetlands(ConservationandManagement)Rules2010
under Section 25 read with Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Other
legislationscanalsobeusedfortheprotectionofwetlandsinthecountry.Someofthemareas
follows:
Wildlife(Protection)Act1972
Water(PreventionandControlofPollution)Act1974andRules1975
TerritorialWater,ContinentalShelf,ExclusiveEconomicZoneandotherMarineZones
Act1976
Forest(ConservationAct)1980
MaritimeZoneofIndia(Regulationandfishingbyforeignvessels)Act1980
Air(PreventionandControlofPollution)Act1981
Environmental(Protection)Act1986
Water(PreventionandControlofPollution)Cess(Amendment)Act,1991
EIAnotification1994/2006
CoastalZoneRegulationsNotification1991and2011
BiologicalDiversityAct,2002andtheBiodiversityRules,2004
Water(PreventionandControlofPollution)Cess(Amendment)Act,2003.
ScheduledTribesandOtherTraditionalForestDwellers(RecognitionofForestRights)
Act,2006.
Policiesfortheconservationofwaterbodies

21Mar2014 13
ThefirstNationalWaterPolicywasformedin1987.However,theconservationofwaterbodies
wasonlyaddressedin2002atthenationallevelatthetimeoftherevisionofthefirstNational
WaterPolicy(NationalWaterPolicy,1987).Furthermore,therevisedpolicymentionedabout
the revival of traditionalsystemsonly. Before this, theMinistry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF)haddevelopedtheNationalWetlandConservationProgrammein1983forconservation
oflakesandotherwaterbodies.Sincemost ofthelakesthatarein urbanareasfacemore
threatsofpollutionandencroachment,theMinistrydevelopedaseparateprogrammein2001
calledNationalLakeConservationPlan(NLCP)fortheconservationoflakesinurbanareas.The
NLCPfocusesonthedevelopmentofthenationallevelpoliciesandactionsfortheurbanlakes.
However,itmustbenotedherethatwaterbeingaStatesubject,Centrehasalimitedauthority
whenit comes tothe implementation of the policiesfor the management and protection of
urbanwaterbodies.UndertheNLCP,theCentralandStategovernmentssharedthecostsinthe
ratioof70:30.
Recently2013,thetwoprogrammesNationLakeConservationPlan(NLCP)andNational
WetlandConservationPlan(NWCP)hasbeenmergedintoasingleprogrammecalledNational
PlanforConservationofAquaticEcosystems.Theguidelinesoftheprogrammearestillbeing
prepared.In1992,TheNationalConservationStrategyandPolicyStatementonEnvironment
andDevelopmentbyMinistryofEnvironmentandForestsalsostressedonthepriorityaction
towards the conservation of water bodies by controlling pollution of water bodies from
municipalandindustrialwastesgeneratedfromurbanhabitatsbyinterceptinganddiverting
such wastes away from the water bodies and protection of land near water bodies and
preventionofconstructionthereupon.
Wetland(ConservationandManagement)Rules2010
In December 2010, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) notified the Wetlands
(ConservationandManagement)Rules,undertheEnvironmentProtectionActof1986.Thiswas
an attempt to fill a longstanding gap, as there was no specific legal mechanism to protect
freshwater or inland wetlands (unlike coasts, which have had a Coastal Regulation Zone
Notificationsince1991).
Thenotificationisintendedtoprotectfollowingwetlands
RamsarandWorldHeritageConventionsites.
Wetlands in ecologically sensitive areas, including protected areas, reserved forests,
wildlifehabitats,mangroves,coralsandcoralreefs,areasofoutstandingnaturalbeauty,
orhistorical/heritageareas,andareasrichingeneticdiversity.
WetlandsinUNESCOworldheritagesites.
Highaltitudewetlandsabove2,500metres,of5hectaresandmore.
Wetlandsbelowthiselevation,of500hectaresandmore.
Anyotherwetlandnotifiedforthepurpose.
A number of activities are completely prohibited in these wetlands, including: reclamation,

settingupofnewindustries(orexpansionofexistingones),anyactivityrelatedtohazardous
substances (including chemicals and GMOs), solid waste dumping, discharge of untreated
wastes,andpermanentconstruction(otherthanboatjetties)within50metres.Exceptionsto
thesecanbemadeonlywiththepermissionofacentralauthority,tobesetupundertheRules.
There are few activities that can be carried out only with permission from the state
government. They include water withdrawal, interrupting water sources in the catchment
(including dams and diversion), harvesting of aquatic resources (living and nonliving),
aquaculture, agriculture, horticulture, dredging (except to remove silt), repair of existing
buildingsandinfrastructure,andseveralactivitiesatlevelsthatcouldbeharmfultothewetland
suchasgrazing,dischargeoftreatedeffluents,motorisedboats,andtemporaryfacilitieslike
pontoonbridges.UndertheprovisionsoftheserulesaCentralWetlandsRegulatoryAuthority,

21Mar2014 14
comprisingofficialsfromtheMinistriesofEnvironmentandForests,Tourism,WaterResources,
Agriculture, Social Justice, and the Central Pollution Control Board, and four independent
scientists.Itspowersandfunctionsincludeprocessingproposalsfornotificationofwetlands,
enforcingtheRules,grantingclearancesforregulatedactivities,determiningthezoneofdirect
influence, all in consultation with local authorities. It will also specify threshold levels for
regulatedactivities,andissuedirectionstothestatesforconservationandwiseuse.
ImplementingAgency.TheMinistryofEnvironmentForestsinGovernmentofIndiaisthenodal
agencyatNationallevelandDepartmentofEnvironmentisthenodaldepartmentintheState.
TheForestDeptwillbenodaldepartmentforprotectingwetlandsintheprotectedandforest
areas.
Overlappingprovisions. The wetlandswithintheprotectedareasofthe NationalParksand
Wildlife Sanctuaries shall be regulated by the provisions of Wildlife (protection) Act 1972.
ThoseintheprotectedornotifiedforestareasshallberegulatedbytheprovisionsofIndian
ForestAct1927,theforests(Conservation)Act1980andotherareasbyinvokingEnvironment
(Protection)Act1986.
TheCoastalRegulationZoneNotification
The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification which in fact imposes restrictions on industries,
operations and processes, wetland reclamation in the coastal zone areas. The provisions of
notificationregulatesotherdevelopmentalactivitiesandalsoprohibitsdestructionofmangrove
andotherfragileareas.500metresfromtheHighTideLineofsealandward,100mlandwardof
inlandwaterbodies,theareabetweentheHighTideLineandtheLowTideLineandupto12
nauticalmilesfromLTLtowardsseaand theentirewaterareaofatidalwaterbodysuchas
creek,river,estuary,etc.TheCRZhasbeenissuedwithoutimposinganyrestrictionsoffishing
activities.NotificationhasdeclaredmanyimportantwetalndsasCriticallyVulnerableCoastal
Area(CVCA).Vembanad,Sunderbansetc.
TheCRZareasarecategorisedasCRZI,CRZII,CRZIIIandCRZIV.TheCRZIare
EcologicallyimportantareasandtheareasbetweenLTLandHTL.TheCRZIIarethoseareas
otherthanCRZIinlegallydesignatedurbanlocalbodiesandwhicharedeveloped.Theareas
thatarenotmuchdevelopedandthoseareasinpanchayathsotherthanCRZIareCRZIII.The
waterbodyanditsbedarecategorisedasCRZIV.
TheCRZnotification2011hasprovidedspecialdispensationforthebackwaterislandsin
thestate.TheCRZlandwardoftheseislandsarehavingtheCRZlandwardonlyupto50mfrom
HTL. The clear procedures for obtaining CRZ approval with timelines have been stipulated
along with postclearance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. The activities are
prohibitedorregulatedintheCRZarea.Thenodevelopmentzoneisbeingreducedfrom200
metresfromthehightidelineto100metresonlytomeetincreaseddemandsofhousingof
fishingandothertraditionalcoastalcommunities.
Provisionsofotherrules
TheWildlifeProtectionAct,1972. Thisactprovidesfortheprotectionofwildanimals,birds
andplants.ThisActimposesprohibitiononhuntingofwildanimals,theiryoungonesaswellas
theireggsexceptwithpriorpermissionoftheChiefWildlifeWarden.Thisactsprohibitsthe
picking,uprooting,destroying,damaging,possessingofanyplantinaprotectedarea,except
withpriorpermissionoftheChiefWildlifeWarden.TheStategovernmentmaydeclareanyarea;
whichitconsiderstohaveadequateecological,faunal,geomorphological,naturalorzoological
significanceforthepurposeofprotecting,propagatingordevelopingwildlifeoritsenvironment;
tobeincludedinasanctuaryoraNationalPark.Nopersonshall,destroy,exploitorremoveany
wildlifefromaNationalParkandSanctuaryordestroyordamagethehabitatordepriveany
wildanimalorplantitshabitatwithinsuchNationalParkandSanctuary.Thusoffersprotection

21Mar2014 15
to wetlands which are or fall within the boundaries of protected areas. However national
wildlifelawplacesastrictbanongrazingwithinaNationalparkandhenceprohibitsthehuman
impactandinfluencesonthewetlandecosystemoncethisisdeclaredasaNationalPark.This
restrictioninnationalparks(whicharezonesofhighestprotectioninprotectedareacategories)
makeswiseuseofthewetlandvirtuallyimpossible.
Forest(Conservation)Act,1980.WithoutthepermissionoftheCentralgovernment,noState
government or any other authority can declare that any reserved forest shall cease to be
reserved,Issuepermitforuseofforestlandfornonforestpurpose,Assignanyforestlandor
portion thereof by way of lease or otherwise to any private person, authority, corporation,
agencyoranyotherorganization,notowned,managedorcontrolledbygovernment.Clearoff
naturaltreesfromaforestlandforthepurposeofreafforestation.Thewetlandintheforests
thusgetprotected.
TheBiologicalDiversityAct,2002. IndiaisasignatorytotheUnitedNationsConventionon
Biological Resources, 1992 and in accordance with that convention, brought into force The
BiologicalDiversityAct,2002.Thisactprohibitsbiodiversityrelatedactivitiesaswellastransfer
oftheresultsofresearchpertainingtobiodiversitytocertainpersons.Italsonecessitatesthe
approvalofNationalBiodiversityAuthoritybeforeapplyingforIntellectualPropertyRightson
products pertaining to biological diversity. This act emphasizes the establishment of
National/StateBiodiversityAuthoritytocarryoutvariousfunctionspertainingtotheAct,viz
guidelinesforapprovingcollection,researchandpatentspertainingtobiologicaldiversity.It
alsonotifiesthecentralgovernmentonthreatenedspecies.Thecentralgovernmenttodevelop
plans,programmesandstrategiesfortheconservation,managementandsustainableuseofthe
biodiversity.WheretheCentralGovernmenthasreasontobelievethatanyarearichinbiological
diversity, biological resources and their habitats is being threatened by overuse, abuse or
neglect, it shall issue directives to the concerned State Government to take immediate
ameliorativemeasures.
Environment Impact Assessment Notification. The Environment Impact Assessment

Notificationof1994and2006issuedunderSection3oftheEnvironment(Protection)Actdeals
with the power of the Central Government to take measures to protect and improve the
environment.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It is an Act to provide for the
preventionandcontrolofwaterpollutionandthemaintainingorrestoringofwholesomenessof
water.Tocarryoutthepurposesofthisact,theCentralandtheStategovernmentconstitutes
the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
respectively.Themainfunctionsofthepollutioncontrolboardsinclude:
Advicethegovernmentonanymatterconcerningthepreventionandcontrolofwater
pollution.
Encourage,conductandparticipateininvestigationsandresearchrelatingtoproblemsof
waterpollutionandprevention,controlorabatementofwaterpollution.
Laydownormodifystandardsonvariousparametersforthereleaseofeffluentsinto
streams.
Collect and examine effluent samples as well as examine the various treatment
proceduresundertakenbytheindustriesreleasingtheeffluent.
Examinethequalityofstreams.
Notifycertainindustriestoeitherstop,restrictormodifytheirproceduresifitfeelsthat
thepresentprocedureisdeterioratingthewaterqualityofstreams.
Establish orrecognize laboratories to perform its functions including theanalysis of
streamwaterqualityandtradeeffluents.

21Mar2014 16
InternationalTreaties
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as waterfowl habitats,

(Ramsar)1971. Tostemtheprogressivedestructionofthewetlands,Ramsarconventionwas
signed.Waterfowlsarebirdsecologicallydependentonthewetlands.Thevariouspointsagreed
underRamsarconventionincludes:
Eachcontractingpartyshouldnominateatleastonewetlandhavingsignificantvaluein
termsofecology,botany,zoology,limnologyorhydrologytobeincludedintheListofWetlands
ofInternationalImportance(Ramsarsites)andpreciselydescribeitsboundaries.
Thecontractingpartieswillhaverighttoaddfurtherwetlandsitestothelist,expandthe
boundariesoftheexistingsitesandalsotodeleteorminimizetheboundariesoftheexisting
sites.
Eachcontractingpartyshallstrivefortheconservation,managementandrestorationof
thewetlandsinthelist.
Establishmentofnaturereservesintheareaofwetlandstherebyprotectingitaswellas
thebiologicaldiversityitsupports.
Restriction of boundaries or deletion of a wetland listed as Ramsar sites, should be
immediatelycompensatedbythecreationof additionalnaturereservesfortheprotectionof
waterfowlsandotherspecieshabitingthatwetland.
International convention for the protection of Birds, 1950. To abate the ever dwindling
numberofcertainbirdspecies(particularlythemigratoryones)aswellastheotherbirds,this
conventionwasmade.ThisisanamendmenttotheInternationalConventionfortheProtection
ofBirdsusefultoAgriculture,1902.Theobjectivesofthisconventioninclude:
Protection to all birds, their young ones and their eggs especially in their breeding
season.
Prohibithunting,killing,masscaptureorcaptivatingbirds,exceptthosecausingintense
damagetocropsorothercomponentsoftheecosystem,suchsothattheabovesaidcomponents
isinthedangerofextinction.
Adoptmeasurestoprohibitindustriesandotherprocessescausingcontaminationofair
andwaterthathasadverseeffectsonthesurvivalofbirds.
Adoptmeasurestoprohibitthedestructionofsuitablebreedinggroundsandthebird
habitatandalsoencouragethecreationofsuitablelandandwaterhabitatforthebirds.
Bonn Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species, 1979. According to the Bonn

ConventiononConservationofMigratorySpecies,theparticipatingparties:
Shouldpromote,cooperateinandsupportresearchrelatingtomigratoryspecies.
Shall endeavour to provide immediate protection for migratory species which are
endangered.
Shallstrivetoconserveandrestorethosehabitatsoftheendangeredspeciesinaneffort
toeliminatethechancesofextinctionofthatspecies.
Shallprohibitorminimizethoseactivitiesorobstaclesthatseriouslyimpedeorprevent
themigrationofthespecies.
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992. The main objectives of this convention are the
conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and
equitablesharingofbenefitsarisingoutoftheutilizationofgeneticresources.Inaccordance
withthisconvention,eachcontractingpartyshall
Identifyplacessupportingimmensebiologicaldiversity.
Monitor through sampling or other means the components of biological diversity
identifiedandstrivefortheconservationofthosecomponentsrequiringurgentattention.

21Mar2014 17
Developneworadaptexistingstrategies,plansandprogrammesfortheconservation
andsustainableuseofbiologicaldiversity.
Identify activities which have or may have significant adverse impact on the
sustainabilityofthebiodiversityinanarea.
It prescribes conservation of biological diversity by eitherIn situconservation
mechanismsorExsituconservationmechanismsorboth.
In situconservation. Each contracting parties shall declare a region harbouring immense

biological diversity as a protected area and develop various plans and strategies for the
establishment, conservation and management of these protected areas and also strive to
conservebiodiversitybeyondtheseprotectedareas.
Promoteenvironmentallysoundandsustainabledevelopmentintheareasadjacentto
theprotectedareassoastofurtherenhancethedevelopmentandprotectionoftheseprotected
areas.
Promotetheprotectionofecosystems,preventtheintroductionofalienspecieslikelyto
have an adverse effect on the existing ecosystem and also rehabilitate & restore degraded
ecosystems.
Enforcelegislativemeasuresfortheprotectionofthreatenedspeciesandpopulation.
Exsituconservation.Eachcontractingpartyshallestablishfacilitiesforexsituconservationand
forresearchonplants,animalsandmicroorganisms,especiallythethreatenedspecies,augment
theirnumberandtakestepsfortheirreintroductionintheirownnaturalhabitat.
StateLevelLegalFramework
TheKeralaConservationofPaddyLandandWetlandAct,2008.TheKeralagovernmenthas
introducedtheKeralaConservationofPaddyLandandWetlandAct,2008andrulestheron.This
actisProhibitsconversionorreclamationofpaddyland(onandfromthedateofcommencement
ofthisAct,theowner,occupierorthepersonincustodyofanypaddylandshallnotundertake
anyactivityfortheconversionorreclamationofsuchpaddylandexceptinaccordancewiththe
provisionsofthisAct).
The Kerala Protection of River banks and regulation of removal of Sand Act 2001. The
Governmenthasenactedthislawtoprotectriverbanksandriverbedsfromlargescaledredging
ofriversandandtoprotecttheirbiophysicalenvironmentsystemandregulatetheremovalof
riversand.Thislawhascanbeappliedinprotectingthewetlandsofthestate.
TheKeralaIrrigationandwaterConservationAct2003. Thisactprovidestheprovisionsfor
conservationofwaterinwatercoursesandregulateswaterwithdrawal.
TheKeralaInlandFisheriesandAquacultureAct.2010
This law relates to the inland fishery sector in the State and to provide the sustainable
development,management,conservation,propagation,protection,exploitationandutilisationof
the inland fishery sector and to promote the social fisheries and to regulate and control
responsible aquaculture activities and to ensure the safety of livelihood and to protect the
traditional rights of the fishermen and to ensure the availability of nutritious fish and food
securitytothepeopleandformattersconnectedtherewithorincidentalthereto.
Thetable1liststhesectionsapplicabletowetlandsinthevariouslaws
Table1.SectionsapplicabletoWetlandsinthevariouslaws

21Mar2014 18
Sl. Act RelevantSections
No.
1 TheWildlife Prohibitshuntingofwildanimals,theiryoungonesaswellastheireggs
(Conservation)Act,1972 Prohibitsthepicking,uprooting,destroying,damaging,possessingofanyplant
inaprotectedarea
Candeclareanyareawithhighecologicalsignificanceasanationalpark,
sanctuaryoraclosedarea.
2 TheBiologicalDiversity PriorapprovalneededfromNationalBiodiversityAuthorityforcollectionof
Act,2002 biologicalmaterialsoccurringinIndiaaswellasforitscommercialutilization.
PriorapprovalfromNBAneededbeforeapplyingforintellectualpropertyrights
onproductspertainingtoBiologicaldiversity.
TheNBAadvicestheconcernedstategovernmentinselectionofareaswith
immensebiologicaldiversityasNationalHeritageSite.
3 Forest(Conservation) WithoutthepermissionoftheCentralgovernment,noStategovernmentorany
Act,1980 otherauthoritycan:
Declarethatanyreservedforestshallceasetobereserved.
Issuepermitforuseofforestlandfornonforestpurpose.
Assignanyforestlandbywayofleaseorotherwisetoanyprivateperson,
authority,corporation,agencyoranyotherorganization,notowned,managedor
controlledbygovernment.
Clearoffnaturaltreesfromaforestlandforthepurposeofreafforestation.
4 Water(Controland ItisbasedonthePolluterpaysprinciple.
PreventionofPollution) ThePollutionControlBoardsperformsthefollowingfunctions:
Act,1974 Inspectssewageandeffluentsaswellastheefficiencyofthesewagetreatment
plants.
Laydownormodifiesexistingeffluentstandardsforthesewage.
Laydownstandardsoftreatmentofeffluentandsewagetobedischargedinto
anyparticularstream.
Notifycertainindustriestoeitherstop,restrictormodifytheirproceduresifthe
presentprocedureisdeterioratingthewaterqualityofstreams.
5 Wetlands(Conservation ProhibitedActivities
andManagement)Rules, Conversionofwetlandtononwetlanduse
2010 Reclamationofwetlands
Settingupofnewindustriesorexpansionofexistingindustries
Solidwastedumpinganddischargeofuntreatedeffluents.
Constructionsofpermanentnaturewithin50mfromfloodline
Anyotheractivityhavingimpactonwetlands
Regulatedactivities
Withdrawalofwater,diversionorinterruptionofsources
Treatedeffluentdischargesindustrial/domestic/agrochemical.
Plyingofmotorizedboats
Dredging
ConstructionofBoatjetties
Aquaculture/horticulturewithinthewetlandetc.
6 DeclarationofCoastal Prohibitedactivities:
stretchesasCRZ, SettingupofnewindustriesandexpansionofexistingindustriesintheCRZ.
1991/2011 Dischargeofuntreatedwastesandeffluentsfromindustries,citiesortownsand
otherhumansettlements.
Dumpingofcityortownwasteforthepurposesoflandfilling.
Landreclamationanddisturbingthenaturalcourseofseawater.
Miningofsands,rocksandothersubstratamaterials,exceptthoserareminerals
notavailableoutsidetheCRZareasandexplorationandextractionofOilandNatural
Gas.
Harvestingordrawalofgroundwaterandconstructionofmechanismsthereof
within200mofHTL;inthe200mto500mzoneitshallbepermittedonlywhendone
manuallythroughordinarywells.
AnyconstructionactivitybetweentheLowTideLineandHighTideLine.

21Mar2014 19
Manyactivitiesareregulated.
7 NationalEnvironment TheprincipalobjectivesofNEPincludes:
Policy,2006 Protectionandconservationofcriticalecologicalsystemsandresources,and
invaluablenaturalandmanmadeheritage.
Ensuringjudicioususeofenvironmentalresourcestomeettheneedsand
aspirationsofthepresentandfuturegenerations.
ItemphasizesthePolluterPaysprinciple,whichstatesthepollutershould,in
principle,bearthecostofpollution,withdueregardtothepublicinterest.
8 Ecosensitivezones IndustriesshallbelocatedonlywithintheIndustrialestatesandstrictlyasper
theguidelinesissuedbytheconcernedstategovernment.
Asfaraspossible,nofreshminingleaseshallbegrantedintheecosensitive
zone.However,quarryingandminingaretotallybannedinthecoreareaoftheeco
sensitivezone.
Tourismactivitiesshallbeasperatourismdevelopmentplanpreparedbythe
DepartmentofTourism.
Thesitesofnaturalheritageinthezonewouldbeidentifiedandplansfor
conservinginthenaturalsettingwouldbemade.
Allthegenepoolsinthezonewouldbepreserved.
9 TheEnvironment Laysdownstandardsforthequalityofenvironmentinitsvariousaspects.
(Protection)Act,1986 Layingdownstandardsfordischargeofenvironmentalpollutantsfromvarious
sourcesandnopersonsshalldischargeanypollutantinexcessofsuchstandards.
Restrictionsofareasinwhichindustries,operationsorprocessesshallnotbe
carriedoutorcarriedoutsubjecttocertainsafeguards.
10 NationalWaterPolicy, Waterisascarceandpreciousnationalresourceandrequirestobeconserved
2002 andmanagement.
Watershedmanagementthroughextensivesoilconservation,catchmentarea
treatment,preservationofforestsandincreasingtheforestcoverandtheconstructionof
checkdamsshouldbepromoted.
Thewaterresourcesshouldbeconservedbyretentionpracticessuchasrain
waterharvestingandpreventionofpollution.
11 TheKeralaConservation Prohibitsconversionorreclamationofpaddyland
ofPaddyLandand
WetlandAct,2008
12 TheKeralaProtectionof Regulatessandminingfromriverstoprotectthebiophysicalenvironment.
Riverbanksand
regulationofremovalof
SandAct2001.
13 TheKeralaIrrigationand Thisactprovidestheprovisionsforconservationofwaterinwatercoursesand
waterConservationAct regulateswaterwithdrawal.
2003.
14 TheKeralaInland providethesustainabledevelopment,management,conservation,propagation,
Fisheriesand protection,exploitationandutilisationoftheinlandfisherysectorandtopromotethe
AquacultureAct.2010 socialfisheriesandtoregulateandcontrolresponsibleaquacultureactivities

21Mar2014 20
21Mar2014 21
WATERCONSERVATIONINKERALAPOLICIESANDPRACTICE
WITHSPECIALEMPHASISONGROUNDWATER
CONSERVATIONACTIVITIESOFCGWB
V.Kunhambu,N.Vinayachandran,T.S.AnithaShyam,MiniChandran&P.Nandakumaran *
CentralGroundWaterBoard,KeralaRegion,Thiruvananthapuram695004,India
Email:pnkm62@gmail.com
Abstract
Water is not only an essential element for our survival but is also an important vehicle for economic
development of the Nation. Although water is a renewable resource, its reserve in nature is limited and
therefore, wehavetoplanforitssustainabledevelopmentandefficientmanagementsothatthegrowing
demandsofrisingpopulation,expandingindustriesandrapidurbanizationareadequatelymet.

NATIONALWATERPOLICY
WaterisastatesubjectaspertheconstitutionofIndia.The objectiveoftheNationalWater
Policyistotakecognizanceoftheexistingsituation,toproposeaframeworkforcreationofa
systemoflawsandinstitutionsandforaplanofactionwithaunifiednationalperspectiveon
whichvariousstatescanformulatetheirownStateWaterPolicyrealizingthegroundtruths
whichvariesfromstatetostate.NationalWaterPolicyofIndiawasadoptedinSeptember,1987.
Itisemphasizedthatwaterisascarceandpreciousnationalresourcetobeplanned,developed,
conservedandmanagedassuch,andonanintegratedandenvironmentallysoundbasis,keeping
inviewthesocioeconomicaspectsandneedsoftheStates.Itisoneofthemostcrucialelements
in developmentalplanning. As the country hasentered the 21st century, efforts to develop,
conserve,utiliseandmanagethisimportantresourceinasustainablemanner,havetobeguided
bythenationalperspective. Itissignificanttonotethatthenumberofissuesandchallenges
have emerged in the development and management of the water resources. Therefore, the
NationalWaterPolicy(1987)hasbeenreviewedandupdatedasNationalWaterPolicy(2002)
with additionalemphasiseon: (1)Nonconventionalmethodsforutilisationofwatersuchas
throughinterbasintransfers,artificialrechargeofgroundwateranddesalinationofbrackishor
seawateraswellastraditionalwaterconservationpracticeslikerainwaterharvesting,including
rooftop rainwater harvesting, need to be practiced to further increase the utilisable water
resources.Promotionoffrontierresearchanddevelopment,inafocusedmanner,and(2)Water
resourcesdevelopmentandmanagementwillhavetobeplannedforahydrologicalunitsuchas
drainagebasinasawholeorforasubbasin,multisectorally,takingintoaccountsurfaceand
ground water for sustainable use incorporating quantity and quality aspects as well as
environmental considerations. Allindividualdevelopmentalprojectsandproposalsshouldbe
formulatedandconsideredwithintheframeworkofsuchanoverallplankeepinginviewthe
existingagreements/awardsforabasinorasubbasinsothatthebestpossiblecombinationof
optionscanbeselectedandsustained.
DraftNationalWaterPolicy2012
The present scenario of water resources and their management in India hasgivenriseto
severalconcernsandgovernmentofIndiafeltthenecessityforsuitablerevisionofitsNational
* RegionalDirector,CGWB,Keralaregion

21Mar2014 22
WaterPolicyandthedraftNationalWaterPolicy2012hasbeenframedaftermuchdeliberations
andonJune7,2012,theMinistryofWaterResources(GOI)publisheditsDraftNationalWater
Policy2012(NWP). Comparisonofprovisionsofnationalwaterpolicies1987,2002anddraft
nationalwaterpolicy(2012)arefurnishedbelow(Table.1)
Tabe.1:comparisonofprovisionsofNationalwaterpolicies1987,2002anddraftnational
waterpolicy(2012).
Sl. SectorDescription NationalWaterPolicy NationalWaterPolicy DraftNationalWaterPolicy(2012)

No. (1987) (2002)
1. PerspectiveforWater Nationalperspectives. Nationalperspectives. Integratedperspectiveconsideringlocal,
ResourcesPlanning regional,Stateandnationalcontext
2. InformationSystem Standardizednational Standardizednational Allwaterrelateddata,shouldbe
informationsystem informationsystem integratedwithwelldefinedprocedures
andformatstoensureonlineupdatingand
transferofdatatofacilitatedevelopment
ofdatabaseforinformeddecisionmaking
inthemanagementofwater
3. WaterResources Hydrologicalunitsuch Hydrologicalunitsuch IntegratedWaterResourcesManagement
Planning asadrainagebasinasa asadrainagebasinasa takingriverbasin/subbasinasaunit,
whole,orasubbasin whole,orasubbasin shouldbethemainprincipleforplanning,
developmentandmanagementofwater
resources
4. Institutional Appropriate Appropriateriverbasin Thereisaneedforcomprehensive
Mechanism organizationsshouldbe organisationsshouldbe legislationforoptimumdevelopmentof
establishedforthe establishedforthe interStateriversandrivervalleysandto
planneddevelopment planneddevelopment enableestablishmentofbasinauthorities
andmanagementofa andmanagementofa withappropriatepowerstoplan,manage
riverbasinasawhole. riverbasinasawholeorandregulateutilizationofwaterresource
subbasins,wherever inthebasins.
necessary.
5. WaterAllocation DrinkingwateraccordedDrinkingwateraccordedSafedrinkingwaterandsanitationdefined
Priorities highestpriorityfollowedhighestpriorityfollowedaspreemptiveneedsfollowedbyhigh
byirrigation,hydro byirrigation,hydro priorityallocationforotherdomestic
power,navigation, power,ecology, needs(includingneedsofanimals),
industries,etc. navigation,industries, achievingfoodsecurity,supporting
etc. sustenanceagricultureandminimumeco
systemneeds.
6. ProjectPlanning Waterresource Waterresource Allwaterresourcesprojects,including
developmentprojects developmentprojects hydropowerprojects,shouldbeplanned
shouldasfaraspossible shouldasfaraspossible totheextentfeasibleasmultipurpose
beplannedand beplannedand projectswithprovisionofstoragetoderive
developedas developedas maximumbenefitfromavailabletopology
multipurposeprojects. multipurposeprojects. andwaterresources
7. EnvironmentalFlow Nospecificmention MinimumflowshouldbeAportionofriverflowsshouldbekept
inRivers exceptprovidingforthe ensuredintheperennial asidetomeetecologicalneedsensuring
preservationofthe streamsformaintaining thattheproportionallowandhighflow
qualityofenvironment ecologyandsocial releasescorrespondintimecloselytothe
andtheecological considerations. naturalflowregime.
balance.
8. Groundwater Exploitationofground Exploitationofground Declininggroundwaterlevelsinover
development waterresourcesshould waterresourcesshould exploitedareasneedtobearrestedby
besoregulatedasnottobesoregulatedasnottointroducingimprovedtechnologiesof
exceedtherecharging exceedtherecharging wateruse,incentivizingefficientwateruse
possibilities,asalsoto possibilities,asalsoto andencouragingcommunitybased
ensuresocialequity. ensuresocialequity. managementofaquifers.
9. Accesstosafe AdequatedrinkingwaterAdequatesafedrinking Minimumquantityofpotablewaterfor
drinkingWater facilitiesshouldbe waterfacilitiesshouldbeessentialhealthandhygienetoallits
providedtotheentire providedtotheentire citizens,availablewithineasyreachofthe
populationbothinurbanpopulationbothinurbanhousehold,mustbeensured.
andinruralareasby andinruralareas.
1991.

21Mar2014 23
Sl. SectorDescription NationalWaterPolicy NationalWaterPolicy DraftNationalWaterPolicy(2012)
No. (1987) (2002)
10. Interbasintransfer Watershouldbemade Watershouldbemade Interbasintransfersarenotmerelyfor
availabletowatershort availabletowatershort increasingproductionbutalsoformeeting
areasbytransferfrom areasbytransferfrom basichumanneedandachievingequity
otherareasincluding otherareasincluding andsocialjustice.Interbasintransfersof
transfersfromoneriver transfersfromoneriver watershouldbeconsideredonthebasisof
basintoanother,based basintoanother,based meritsofeachcaseafterevaluatingthe
onanational onanational environmental,economicandsocial
perspective,aftertaking perspective,aftertaking impactsofsuchtransfers.
intoaccountthe intoaccountthe
requirementsofthe requirementsofthe
areas/basins. areas/basins.
11. WaterUseEfficiency Theefficiencyof Efficiencyofutilisation Theprojectandthebasinwateruse
utilisationinallthe inallthediverseusesof efficienciesneedtobeimprovedthrough
diverseusesofwater watershouldbe continuouswaterbalanceandwater
shouldbeimprovedand optimisedandan accountingstudies.Aninstitutional
anawarenessofwater awarenessofwaterasa arrangementforpromotion,regulation
asascarceresource scarceresourceshould andevolvingmechanismsforefficientuse
shouldbefostered. befostered. ofwateratbasin/subbasinlevelwillbe
establishedforthispurposeatthenational
level.
12. WaterPricing Waterratesshouldbe Waterchargesshould WaterRegulatoryAuthorityshouldbeset
adequatetocoverthe coveratleastthe uptofixwatertariffswithprovisionof
annualmaintenanceandoperationand differentialpricingforthepreemptive
operationchargesanda maintenancechargesof andhighpriorityusesofwater.
partofthefixedcosts. providingtheservice
initiallyandapartofthe
capitalcosts
subsequently.
13. ParticipatoryWater Effortsshouldbemade WaterUsers Communitybasedwatermanagement
Management toinvolvefarmers Associationsandthe shouldbeinstitutionalizedand
progressivelyinvarious localbodiesshouldbe strengthened.
aspectsofmanagement involvedinthe WaterUsersAssociationsshouldbegiven
ofirrigationsystems, operation,maintenance statutorypowerstocollectandretaina
particularlyinwater andmanagementof portionofwatercharges,managethe
distributionand waterinfrastructures/ volumetricquantumofwaterallottedto
collectionofwaterrates. facilitiesatappropriate themandmaintainthedistributionsystem
levelsprogressively,withintheirjurisdiction
aviewtoeventually
transferthe
managementofsuch
facilitiestotheuser
groups/localbodies.
14. Floodmanagement Emphasisonnon Emphasisonnon Whileeveryeffortshouldbemadetoavert
structuralmeasures, structuralmeasures, waterrelateddisasterslikefloodsand
suchasfloodforecastingsuchasfloodforecastingdroughts,throughstructuralandnon
andwarningandflood andwarning,floodplainstructuralmeasures,emphasisshouldbe
plainzoning,soasto zoningandflood onpreparednessforflood/droughtwith
reducetherecurring proofing,soastoreducecopingmechanismsasanoption.Greater
expenditureonflood therecurring emphasisshouldbeplacedon
relief. expenditureonflood rehabilitationofnaturaldrainagesystem.
relief.
15. Gapbetween Concertedefforts,such ConcertedeffortsshouldAllcomponentsofwaterresources
IrrigationPotential ascommandarea bemadetoensurethat projectsshouldbeplannedandexecuted
createdandutilized development,shouldbe theirrigationpotential inaparipassumannersothatintended
madetoensurethatthe createdisfullyutilised. benefitsstartaccruingimmediatelyand
irrigationpotential Forthispurpose,the thereisnogapbetweenpotentialcreated
createdisfullyutilised commandarea andpotentialutilized.
andthegapbetweenthedevelopmentapproach
potentialcreatedandits shouldbeadoptedinall
utilisationisremoved. irrigationprojects.

21Mar2014 24
Thus,NationalWaterPolicyclearlyenvisagestheroadmapforwaterconservationandwater
securitymeasures. KeralaStatealsoadoptedKeralaWaterPolicy2008andprovidedbroad
guidelinesonwaterresourcemanagementprioritiesandactionplantobefollowed.
GroundWaterDevelopment
Therapiddevelopmentofgroundwaterresourcesforvariedusagehascontributedinexpansion
ofirrigatedagriculture,overalleconomicdevelopmentandinimprovingthequalityoflifein
India.Groundwater,whichisthesourcefor morethan85percentofruraldomesticwater
requirements,50percentofurbanwaterrequirementsandmorethan50percentofirrigation
requirementsofthecountry,isdepletingfastinmanyareasduetoitslargescalewithdrawalfor
various sectors. The ground water development with time has changed the hydrogeological
regimeandasaresultnaturalrechargecomponentshavealteredtoagreatextent.Asperlatest
ground water resource estimation as on 31 st March, 2009, the stage of groundwater
developmentofthecountryisworkedouttobearound61%.Outofthe5842assessmentunits,
802unitshavebeencategorizedasOverexploited,169asCriticaland523unitsasSemi
Critical.Thereare71salineunitsand4277Safeunits.Theannualreplenishablegroundwater
resourceis431BCMandnetgroundwateravailabilityis396BCM.Thetotalannualground
waterdraftis243BCMandbalancegroundwaterresourcesavailableforfurtherdevelopmentis
153BCM.
GROUNDWATERRESOURCEESTIMATIONOFKERALA,ASONMARCH2009
TheoccurrenceandavailabilityofgroundwaterinKeralavaryconsiderablyfromplacetoplace
withinthestatedependingontheprevailingclimatic,geomorphologicalandhydrogeological
conditions. About 88 percent of the total geographical area of the State is underlain by
crystallinerocksdevoidofanyprimaryporosity,withlimitedgroundwaterprospects.Inthe
alluvial formations having multipleaquifer systems, quality is sometimesa constraint in the
optimal development of available resources. Increasing population, rapid urbanization and
industrialization has resulted in increasing use of ground water resources over the last few
decades inthe State. Judiciousand planned development of ground water and its scientific
managementhavebecomenecessarytoensurelongtermsustainabilityofthispreciousnatural
resource in Kerala. The dynamic ground water resources of the State are being periodically
assessedby the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), jointly withthe State Ground Water
DepartmentandotherCentralGovernmentaswellasStateGovernmentagencies,accordingto
themethodologyrecommendedbytheGroundwaterEstimationCommitteeconstitutedbyGovt.
fromtimetotime.
CategorizationofAssessmentUnits
Theunitsofassessmentarecategorizedforgroundwaterdevelopmentbasedontwocriteriaviz.
(a)stageofgroundwaterdevelopmentand(b)longtermtrendofpreandpostmonsoonwater
levels. There are four categories based on the above norms (1) Safe areas which have
groundwaterpotentialfordevelopment;(2)SemiCriticalareaswherecautiousgroundwater
developmentisrecommended.(3)Criticalareasand(4)OverExploitedareaswherethere
shouldbeintensivemonitoringandevaluationandfuturegroundwaterdevelopmentbelinked
with water conservation measures and micro level studies. The details of criteria for
categorizationofassessmentunitsaregiveninTable2.
Table2:CriteriaforCategorizationofAssessmentUnits
Sl.No. Stage of Groundwater SignificantLongtermDecline Categorization

Development

21Mar2014 25
Premonsoon Postmonsoon
1 <=70% No No Safe
Yes/No No/Yes Tobereassessed
Yes Yes Tobereassessed
2 >70%and<=90% No No Safe
Yes/No No/Yes SemiCritical
Yes Yes Tobereassessed
3 >90%and<=100% No No Tobereassessed
Yes/No No/Yes SemiCritical
Yes Yes Critical
4 >100% No No Tobereassessed
Yes/No No/Yes OverExploited
Yes Yes OverExploited
TheTotalAnnualGroundWaterAvailabilityinKeralaStatehasbeencomputedas6.620Billion
CubicMetre(BCM).Rainfallrechargeaccountsforabout 82 percentoftheannualrecharge,
withtheremaindercontributedbyothersources.Thedetailsofthecomputationsareprovided
inTable3.
Table3:SummaryofMajorComponentsofDynamicGroundWaterResourcesofKerala(AsinMarch2009)
Sl. AssessmentUnit/District Net Annual Existing Gross Stageof
No. Ground Water Ground Water Draft Ground Water
Availability forAlluses(Ha.m) Development(%)
(Ha.m)
1 ALAPPUZHA 45365.10 12934.84 29

2 ERNAKULAM 55734.91 23975.68 43
3 IDUKKI 19654.62 8297.93 42
4 KANNUR 47911.09 21738.59 45
5 KASARGOD 32724.30 23333.49 71
6 KOLLAM 40926.67 15711.15 38
7 KOTTAYAM 47315.55 12597.33 27
8 KOZHIKODE 34738.24 18971.66 55
9 MALAPPURAM 48431.05 27951.12 58
10 PALAKKAD 79524.78 48417.31 61
11 PATHANAMTHITTA 28411.26 9424.34 33
12 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 30473.99 17100.97 56
13 THRISSUR 64059.63 35673.29 56
14 WAYANAD 27627.84 4768.00 17
KERALA 602899.03 280895.70 47
(BCM) 6.029 2.809 47
GroundwaterdraftinKeralaismainlyfordomesticandirrigationuses.Inviewofthenon
availabilityofdataonthenumberofwellsbeingusedfordomesticpurposes,thegroundwater
draftfordomesticuseshasbeencomputedblockwiseonthebasisof2001population,projected

21Mar2014 26
totheyearofassessment(2008).Domesticrequirementofwaterinthestatehasbeencomputed
astheproductofthepopulationandthepercapitawaterrequirement(assumedas150L/
day/person).Theshareofgroundwaterintherequirementhasbeencomputedasapercentage
varyingfrom25to100%,arrivedatonthebasisofavailabilityofsurfacewatersourcesfor
domesticwatersupply.
Thegroundwaterdrafthasbeencomputedfromthedataontheblockwisenumberof
irrigation wells collected during the 4 th Minor Irrigation Census (with 2007 as base year)
conductedbytheDept.ofMinorIrrigation,MinistryofWaterResources,GovernmentofIndia.
The ground water draft figures are arrived at by multiplying the number of wells with the
correspondingunitdraft.TheAnnualGroundWaterDraftforallusesintheStateisoftheorder
of 2.809BCM andrangesfrom 4768Ha.m inWayanaddistrictto 48417Ha.m inPalakkad
district.DistrictwisestatusofNetGroundWaterAvailabilityandAnnualGroundWaterDraft
forallusesisshowninFig.1.
Fig.1:StatusofNetGroundWaterAvailability&GroundWaterDraft
StageofGroundWaterDevelopment
Thestageofgroundwaterdevelopmentofassessmentunits,computedastheratioofExisting
GrossGroundWaterDraftforallusesandtheNetAnnualGroundWaterAvailabilityisofthe
orderof 47 percent for theState of Kerala asa whole. The average stage of ground water
development is the highest in Kasargod district (71%) and the lowest in Wayanad district
(17%).
CategorizationofAssessmentUnits
TheAssessmentunitshavebeencategorizedasOverexploited,Critical,Semicriticalor
SafeonthebasisofStageofGroundWaterDevelopmentandthelongtermdeclineofaverage
ground water levels in the observations wells in the assessment unit, as per the criteria
suggestedinGEC1997methodology.IncaseswheretheWaterLevelFluctuation(WLF)method
has been used for computation of ground water recharge during monsoon season, the
assessmentunitshavebeencategorizedstrictlyasperthenorms.Declineofgroundwaterlevels
of15cmperyearormorehasbeenconsideredsignificantintheStatewhilecategorizingthe
blocks. However, in such units where the monsoon recharge has been computed by adhoc
methodonaccountofthewaterleveldatanotbeingrepresentative,categorizationhasbeen
doneprimarilyonthebasisofstageofdevelopmentandtheexistinggroundsituation.Outof
152assessedunitsintheState,ChitturblockofPalakkaddistricthasbeencategorizedasOver

21Mar2014 27
exploitedand 3 blocks(KasargodblockofKasargoddistrict,MalampuzhablockofPalakkad
districtandKodungallurblockofThrissurdistrict)havebeencategorizedasCritical.Outofthe
remainingblocks,22blocksareSemicriticaland126blocksareSafe.Thespatialdistribution
ofdifferentcategoriesofassessmentunitsisgiveninFig.2.
Fig.2:CategorizationofBlocksinKerala(AsinMarch2009)
CGWBINITIATIVESONARTIFICIALRECHARGETOGROUNDWATERRESOURCES
AManualonArtificialRechargeofGroundWaterprovidingdetailedguidelinesoninvestigative
techniquesforselectionofsites,planninganddesignofartificialrechargestructures,monitoring
and economic evaluation of artificial recharge schemes was brought out by Central Ground
WaterBoardin1994.Italsoincluded2elaboratecasestudiesandfieldexamplesofartificial
rechargeschemesfromdifferentpartsoftheworld.Themanualhasbeenusedextensivelyfor

21Mar2014 28
planningandimplementationofschemesforaugmentationofgroundwaterresourcesbyvarious
agencies.
Subsequenttothepublicationofthemanual,CentralGroundWaterBoardhasbrought
outpublicationsonthetopicinanattempttodisseminatetheexperiencesgainedduringvarious
groundwateraugmentationprojectsimplementedbytheBoardinthecountry.Theseinclude
ManualonArtificialRechargeofGroundWater(1994),NationalPerspectivePlanforRecharge
toGroundWaterbyUtilizingSurplusMonsoonRunoff(1996),GuideonArtificialRechargeto
GroundWater(1998),GuideonArtificialRechargetoGroundWater(2000),MasterPlanfor
ArtificialRechargetoGroundWater(2002),ManualonArtificialRechargeofGroundWater
(2009)andSelectCaseStudiesonRainWaterHarvestingandArtificialRecharge(2011).
Apartfromthese,CentralGroundWaterBoardhasalsopublishedtechnicalbrochureson
variousaspectsofartificialrechargethroughitsRegionalDirectorates,initslocalvernacular
languages,whichservedasguidelinestovariousgovernmentalandnongovernmentalagencies
andthegeneral public. Someof the StateDepartments have also brought out manualsand
guidelinesonartificialrechargetogroundwater,whichdealtwithspecificareasinmostcases.
There were also many projects implemented at state and national level with peoples
participatory approach in executing recharge projects. It is felt that there is a need for
convergenceofdataandinformationonongoingrechargeandrainwaterharvestingprojectsas
wellastheoptimizationofthenumberofstructures
NATIONALPERSPECTIVEPLANFORRECHARGETOGROUNDWATER
CentralGroundWaterBoard(CGWB)preparedaNationalPerspectivePlanforRechargeto
GroundWaterbyutilizingSurplusMonsoonRunoffin1996.Theavailabilityofnoncommitted
surplusmonsoonrunoffin20RiverBasinsofthecountrywasanalysedvisavisthesubsurface
availablespaceunderdifferenthydrogeologicalsituationsforsaturatingthevadosezoneto3m
belowgroundlevel.Itwasestimatedthatitispossibletostore21.4M.ha.mofsurplusmonsoon
runoffingroundwaterreservoir,outofwhich16.05M.ha.mcanbeutilized.Theplanpresented
a conceptual framework for utilization of surplus monsoon runoff for artificial recharge of
groundwater.
CGWBhadpreparedaMasterPlanforArtificialRechargetoGroundWaterearlierinthe
year2002.TheMasterPlanenvisagedthenumberofartificialrechargeandwaterconservation
structuresinthecountryas39lakhatanestimatedcostofRs.24,500crores.Basedonthe
above,variousStateAgenciesandCGWBhavetakenuptheconstructionofartificialrecharge
structures on a large scale under State/Central sector scheme. The details of demonstrative
artificialrechargestudiestakenupbyCGWBduringdifferentfiveyearplansarefurnishedin
tablebelow(Table.4).
Table4:ArtificialRechargeStudiestakenbyCGWBduringdifferentFiveYearPlans
PLAN STATUS COST
(Rs.Cr.)
VIII Maharashtra,Karnataka,AndhraPradesh,Delhi,Kerala,Madhya 3.23
(199297) Pradesh,TamilNadu,WestBengal&Chandigarh(TotalStates/UT9)
IX AndhraPradesh,ArunachalPradesh,Assam,Andaman&Nicobar,Bihar,Chandigarh, 33.10
(19972002) Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Kerala,Lakshadweep,MadhyaPradesh,Maharashtra,Meghalaya,Mizoram,Nagaland,
Delhi,Odisha,Punjab,Rajasthan,TamilNadu,UttarPradesh,UttarakhandandWest
Bengal(TotalStates/UT27)
X AndhraPradesh,Karnataka,MadhyaPradesh&TamilNadu(TotalStates4) 5.60
(20022007)
XI AndhraPradesh,ArunachalPradesh,Bihar,Chhattisgarh,Chandigarh,Delhi,Gujarat, 99.87
(20072012) Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra,
MadhyaPradesh,Nagaland,Odisha,Punjab,Rajasthan,TamilNadu,UttarPradeshand
WestBengal(TotalStates/UT21)

21Mar2014 29
ThedetailsofartificialrechargeschemesimplementedinKerala&U.T.ofLakshadweepunder
CentralSectorSchemearefurnishedbelow(Table.5).
Table5:ArtificialRechargeSchemesimplementedbyCGWBinKerala&U.TofLakshadweep
S. Location StructureandYear District Implementingagency Cost(Rs)
No
1 Odakkali SubsurfaceDam(1988) Ernakulam CGWB(SIDAProject) N.A
2 Ananganadi SubsurfaceDam(1979) Palghat CGWB(SIDAProject) N.A

3 Bangalakulam DeepeningofPond(2001) Kasargod KeralaLandDevelopment 1,22,068
Corporation
4 Kadapallam Deepeningcumdesiltation Kasargod KeralaLandDevelopment 5,37,760
oftank(2001) Corporation
5 MayyilHarijanColony RoofTopRainwater Kannur DistrictCollectorate 1,53,150

Harvesting(2001)
6 Ezhimala RoofTopRainwater Kannur WaterconservationSociety 8,46,090
Harvesting,CheckDam, Kannur
RechargePit(2001)
7 Ayilam SubsurfaceDam(2000) Trivandrum KeralaLandDevelopment 6,25,000

Corporation
8 BhavajiNagar SubsurfaceDam(1998) Palghat KeralaLandDevelopment 6,92,368
Corporation
9 Allanallur SubsurfaceDam(1998) Palghat KeralaLandDevelopment 6,23,143
Corporation
10 Mambazhakara SubsurfaceDam(1997) Trivandrum KeralaLandDevelopment 6,27,513
Corporation
11 Ayandikadavu TidalRegulator(2001) Trivandrum KeralaLandDevelopment 15,00,000
Corporation
12 Neezhur SubsurfaceDam(2000) Kottayam KeralaLandDevelopment 4,75,000
Corporation
13 Chirakulam PercolationTank(2001) Kottayam KeralaAgri.Engg.Dept 7,38,308
14 Perinthanam RechargeWell(2001) Kottayam KeralaAgri.Engg.Dept 1,69,858
15 Sadanandapuram SubsurfaceDam(1998) Kollam KeralaLandDevelopment 7,36,405
Corporation
16 Komuttichella SubsurfaceDam(2003) Palghat PWD,Kerala 2,21,224
17 Aninja Checkdam(2003) Kasargod GroundwaterDepartment 5,28,011
18 Chunnambukalthodu CheckDam(2003) Palghat KeralaLandDevelopment 14,30,330
Corporation
19 Thalayilmottakavu SubsurfaceDam(2003) Trivandrum GroundwaterDepartment 4,68,249
20 CivilStationCampus RainwaterHarvesting, Kasargod PWD,Kerala 8,28,659
ArtificialRecharge(2003)
21 SecretariatBuilding RainwaterHarvesting, Trivandrum PWD,Kerala 2,82,637

Artificialrecharge(2003)
22 GovindaPaiMemorial ARschemeindistrict(2009 Kasargod SoilConservationDept 2,10288
College,Manjeswar 10)
23 Govt.UPS, ARSchemeindistrict(2009 Kasargod BedadkaGramPt 8,75,000

BedadkaKulathur, 10)
24 PalliparaPallam, RenovationofexistingPond Kasargod SoilConservationDept 1,44,198
KayyurCheemeni, (200910)
NileswaramBk
25 Chittoorcollege RainWaterHarvesting Palakkad GroundwaterDepartment 4,32,153

(200910)
26 JawaharNavodaya ARscheme(201112) Kasaragod SoilConservationDept 7,63,000
Vidyalaya
27 KendriyaVidyalaya ARscheme(201112 Kasaragod SoilConservationDept 5,85,000
No.2
28 Kavaratti RWH,2005 Kavaratti LPWD 11,01,789

21Mar2014 30
REVISEDMASTERPLANFORARTIFICIALRECHARGE
Incorporatingtheactualprogressmadeinthetargetsupto201011andalsoreassessingthe
newareasofrechargetomakeuseoftheexperiencealreadygainedandtheinputreceivedfrom
theimpactassessmentofselectschemesexecutedbyCentralGroundWaterBoardthroughstate
agencies under central sector and centrally sponsored schemes Problems that may arise in
coastalandhardrockaquifersandoverdevelopmentinisolatedpocketsinSafeblocksarealso
tobeaddressedincomingyears.Thegroundwaterqualityissuesalsoneedtobefocusedon
new areas of integrated approach in rain water harvesting and recharge to ground water.
Consideringthis,somechangesinthemethodologyinartificialrechargeareproposed.
Based on theexperience gained underdemonstrative artificial recharge program and
artificial recharge to ground water through dug well scheme, the need for identification of
specificnewareasindifferentStatesforadditionalartificialrechargetogroundwaterwasfelt.
To implement schemes in an effective manner, statewise presentation of the base data on
existingrechargestructuresandproposalsinthepipeline isrequired.Also, thefeasibilityof
diverting flood water or surplus run off from rainfall from one region to another region is
examined.Thenewguidelinesfortakinguprechargeschemeswithoutaffectingtheexisting
surfacewaterstoragestructuresarealsoenvisagedItisdecidedtoreviseandupdatetheMaster
Plan of Artificial Recharge (2002) as on March 2011 The Chairman, CGWB, constituted a
CommitteetopreparenewguidelinesforrevisionofMasterPlanforartificialrechargetoground
water for the country and the Committee submitted the report in September 2008. The
committeerecommendedbroadguidelinesforselectionofpriorityareas,schemesfordifferent
agroclimaticareasanduseoftransportedwaterforrecharge,creationofdatabaseonexisting
rechargestructuresforplanninganynewschemesinagiventimeandotherrecommendations.
ThedemandsidemanagementofgroundwaterresourceswasgivenstressbytheCommittee.
Basedontherecommendations oftheCommittee,thepresentrevisedMasterPlanis
preparedonthebasisofhydrogeologicalparametersandhydrologicaldatabaseavailablefor
eachState.Theidentificationoffeasibleareasforartificialrechargetogroundwaterwasmade
onthebasisofdepthanddecliningtrendofgroundwaterlevels.Thedecadalaveragedepthto
waterlevelforpostmonsoonperiodwastakentoestimatethesubsurfacestoragespacefor
rechargeandvolumeofwaterneededtosaturatethevadosezoneto3mbelowgroundlevel.
Thequantificationofsurplusmonsoonrunoffwasmadefortheidentifiedareas/subbasins.The
computationsforsurfacewateravailabletoharnessineachidentifiedareasweremadetoplan
thefeasibilityofdifferentartificialrechargestructures.Basedonthehydrogeologicalsituationof
eachofthestatesthefeasiblenumberofdifferentartificialrechargestructuresandtheircost
estimatesweremade.
Atotalareaofabout9,41,541sq.km.hasbeenidentifiedinvariouspartsofcountry
whereartificialrechargetogroundwaterisfeasible.ThisalsoincludeshillyterrainofJammu
and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, North Eastern States & Islands where the
structuresareproposedtoimprovethesustainabilityofspringsandfreshwater.
Itisestimatedthatannuallyabout85,565MCMofsurplusrunoffistobeharnessedto
augmentthegroundwater.Mostofthebasinsofthecountry,particularlyinPeninsularIndia
are having marginal/negligible surplus runoff, where considerable space in underground
reservoirsisavailable.Hence,surplusrunoffisnotavailableforrechargetogroundwaterin
variousareas,whichotherwiseneedartificialrecharge.ThesurplusrunoffavailableinNorth
EasternStates,HimachalPradeshandIslandsisveryhighandduetolimitedspaceavailable
undergroundforrecharge,thesurplusrunoffcalculationisnotseparatelygiven.However,for
thestabilizationofspringsandimprovingthegroundwaterscenarioinexistinglocalizedground
water extraction areas, few recharge structures are identified and will be executed by
consideringthelocalgroundslopeandvulnerabilityoflandslides,etc.intheseareas.
Inruralareas,suitablestructureslikepercolationtanks,checkdams,nalabunds,gully
plugs,gabionstructuresetc.andsubsurfacetechniquesofrechargeshaft,wellrechargeetc.

21Mar2014 31
havebeenrecommended.Provisiontoarrestgroundwaterflowthroughgroundwaterdamshas
alsobeenmadeinsomestates.
TherevisedMasterPlanenvisagesconstructionofabout1.11croreartificialrecharge
structures in urban and rural areas at an estimated cost of about Rs. 79,178 crores. This
comprisesofaround88lakhrechargestructures/facilitiesutilizingrainwaterdirectlyfromroof
top(atanestimatedcostofRs.16266crores.)andaround23lakhartificialrechargeandrain
water harvesting structures for conserving surplus runoff and recharging ground water in
aquifers.Thebreakupincludesaround2.90lakhcheckdams,1.55lakhgabionstructures,6.26
lakhgullyplugs,4.09lakhnalabunds/cementplugs84925percolationtanks,8281subsurface
dykes,5.91lakhrechargeshafts,1.08lakhcontourbunds,16235injectionwellsand23172other
structureswhichincludespointrechargestructuresrechargetubewells,stopdams,recharge
trenches,anicuts,floodingstructures,inducedrechargestructures,weirstructuresetc.InNorth
EasternStates,Andaman&NicobarandSikkimemphasishasbeengiventospringdevelopment
and2,950springsareproposedforaugmentationanddevelopment.Theareashavingexisting
recharge structures are recommended to revisit for evaluating their performance and
supplementingadvancedtechniquessuchasrechargeshafts,rechargeboresandtubewellsfor
improvingtheoverallefficiencyofrechargestructures.
The ongoing MGNREGA work will be also used to improve the existing rain water
harvestingandrechargestructures,creatingspecificsupplychannelsanddesiltingoftrenches,
pondsetc.ThecommunityparticipationatPanchayatlevelforsuchworkthroughconcerned
CentralMinistriesisestimatedatRs20,000croresforaperiodof10years.
Thestakeholderindustries(existing/new)wouldbeinvolvedinimplementingrainwater
harvestingandrechargetogroundwateraspartofMinistryofEnvironment&Forestdirections
withtechnicalguidanceofCGWBandstateagencies.Theexpectedcontributionfromindustrial
sectorisestimatedatRs.20,000crores.ThebalanceofaboutRs.24,178croreswouldbespent
by State/Central Government Departments under various programmes by involving the line
DepartmentsintheState,particularlyIntegratedWatershedDevelopmentDepartment,Forest
Department, Public Works Department, Horticulture Department, Roads and Buildings
Department,AgricultureDepartmentandWaterSupplyDepartments
DUGWELLRECHARGESCHEME
A separate scheme on Dug well recharge was prepared for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh,Karnataka,Maharashtra,RajasthanandAndhraPradeshstatesatanestimatedcostof
Rs. 1871 crores covering 4.455 Million irrigation dug wells covering 1155 blocks in seven
participatingstates.TheSchemeisbeingimplementedthroughNABARD,CGWBandidentified
nodal agencies in the state. Under this scheme, farmers were given fund directly for the
constructionofrechargepitsnearthedugwellatanaveragecostofRs4000/whichvaries
fromRs.3600/(Maharashtra)toRs.5700/(AndhraPradesh).AsonMarch2012,1,14,205dug
wellrechargestructureswerecompletedunderthisscheme.TheearlierMasterPlanpreparedby
theGovernmentofIndiaalsoneedsupdatingofphysicalandfinancialtargetstoaccountthe
executedworkandtoarriveatabaseforfurtherimplementationwiththeinvolvementofstate
andotherstakeholdersatgrassrootlevel.
TherevisedMasterplanforartificialrecharge(2011)envisagesschemesforrecharging
about 1520 MCM of water in Kerala (Table.6). The cost of implementation of the artificial
rechargeschemesincludingrooftoprainwaterharvestingsystemsinthestateofKeralaworks
outasRs.5914.Cr.

21Mar2014 32
Table.6:DetailsofMasterPlanforartificialrechargeinKerala(2011)
SlNo. Districts Volume of VolumeofWater Volume of

Unsaturated available water
Zone (MCM) required for
(MCM) Recharge
(MCM)
1 ALAPPUZHA 0 0 0
2 ERNAKULAM 2261 621 90
3 IDUKKI 1623 1066 43
4 KANNUR 5515 2118 221
5 KASARGOD 5924 1710 237
6 KOLLAM 1859 974 74
7 KOTTAYAM 1395 449 47
8 KOZHIKODE 2112 597 70
9 MALAPPURAM 4291 756 143
10 PALAKKAD 4379 1424 146
11 PATHANAMTHITTA 1623 1318 54
12 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 4217 1027 169
13 THRISSUR 4251 2788 142
14 WAYANAD 3158 2829 84
TOTAL 42607 17678 1520
AWARENESS&CAPACITYBUILDING
Awarenesscreationandcapacitybuildingofstakeholdersarealsoanintegralpartsofwater
conservationendeavours. TheCentralGroundWaterBoard,KeralaRegion,organizedvarious
activitiesundertheaegisoftheInformationEducationandCommunicationprogramofMinistry
ofWaterResources,Government ofIndia. ThevariousactivitiesincludeWaterManagement
Training Programmes, Mass awareness programmes etc on conservation and protection of
ground water resources, Workshops, World Water Week Celebrations, Display Boards/
Hoardingsonwaterconservationatvarious Railwaystations, Distributionofcalanderswith
themeofwaterconservation aswellas distributionof Bookletsonwaterconservationand
artificialrecharge.ThePaintingCompetitionisbeingorganizedforcreatingawarenessamong
school children on the importance of conservation & efficient use of water. As part of this
programme , CGWB, Kerala Region has been conducting School and State Level Painting
Competitionforthestudentsof4 th 5th &6th StandardofKeralaandU.TofLakshadweepfor
spreading awareness on Water conservation among the school students 2010 as per the
guidelinesofMinistryofWaterResources,Govt.ofIndia.Morethan1.5lakhstudentsof4 th, 5th
and 6th Class students from Kerala have participated in event so far. Ministry of Water
Resources,Govt.ofIndiahasalsoinstitutedannualawardnamelyGroundWaterAugmentation
AwardandNationalWaterAward toencourageadoptionof innovativepracticesofground
water augmentation by rain water harvesting and artificial recharge, promoting water use
efficiency,recyclingandreuseofwaterandcreatingawarenessthroughpeopleparticipation,
disseminationoftechnicalinformationrelatedgroundwaterintheformofreport,mapsand
alsothroughthewebsite.

21Mar2014 33
HYDROFRACTURINGANEWTECHNIQUETORECHARGE
HARDROCKAQUIFERSOFKERALA
E.Shaji
DeptofGeology,UniversityofKerala,Kariavattom
Trivandrum695581,India
Email:shajigeology@gmail.com
Abstract
Geologically 85% of the Kerala state is underlain by crystalline rocks of Archaean age comprising the
charnockitekhondalite suite, hornblende gneisses and older migmatites forming the basement gneisses,
followedbyhighgradeschistsandgneissesoftheWayanadSargurGroupandlowgradeDharwarschists.
Intrusiveslikedolerite,gabbro,granitesandpegmatiteveinsarealsonoticedinallformations.TheUpper
Tertiary formationsinclude the Warkali, Quilon,Vaikom, Alleppey formations. The SubRecent to Recent
formationsincludethecoastalsands,teris,lagoonaldeposits,alluviumandlateriteofdifferentgenerations.
Thecrystallinerocksaremadeupofthehighlydecomposedweatheredzoneorpartlyweatheredandfractured
rockformshallowaquifers.Thickweatheredzoneisseenalongthemidlandareabeneaththelaterites.Inthe
hill ranges thin weathered zone is seen along topographic lows andareaswith gentle slope. Exploratory
drillinginthecrystallineformationscarriedoutbyCentralGroundWaterBoardhasindicatedoccurrenceof
potentialfracturesatdepthsrangingbetween60and175m.bglwithwellyieldsvaryingfromdry(nil)to
asmuchas35lps. InCharnockitesandhornblendebiotitegneisses,theyieldseemstobemorethanthe
khondalitegroupofrocks.InTrivandrumdistricttherocksarehighlyfracturedbutthefracturesarefilled
withsecondaryclayminerals.Hencetherechargetothedeeperaquifersislimited.Thisisoneofthemain
reasonsforthebaseflowofgroundwaterintheregion.Thisishastobeminimizedandthefracturescanbe
cleanedandopenedwithatechniquecalledhydrofracturing.
Hydrofracturing
Hydrofracturingisarecenttechniquethatisusedtoimprovesecondaryporosityinhardrock
strata.Hydrofracturingisaprocesswherebyhydraulicpressureisappliedtoanisolatedzoneof
borewellstoinitiateandpropagatefracturesandextendexistingfractures.Thewaterunder
highpressurebreakupthefissurescleansawayclogging andleadstoabetter contactwith
adjacent water bearing strata. The yield of the bore well is improved. In hydro fracturing,
verticalfracturesareinitiated whichinterconnectsaquifersatdifferentlevelsinaddition to
extension of existing fractures. This leads to better conditions for artificial recharge. The
techniquemaybeappliedatborewellsiteslocatedinhardcrystallinerockorothermassive
consolidatedstrataincludingmetamorphicandsedimentaryformations.Generally,aborewell
givingloworpooryieldistreated,butthetechniquecanalsobenefitotherwells.Aprocedure
designed to increase the amount of water in existing dry and low yield water wells.
Hydrofracturingisawelldevelopmentprocessthatinvolvesinjectingwaterunderhighpressure
intoabedrockformationviathewell.Thisisintendedtoincreasethesizeandextentofexisting
bedrockfractures,pumpingwaterintothosefracturesatpressuresashighas45000psiandflow
rates as high as 300 liters per minute, this cleans out the fractures and allows them to
interconnectwithnearbywaterbearingfractures.Ahydrofracturingmachine,whichworksat
Bangalore,isshowninfigure1.

21Mar2014 34
Fig1.Hydrofracturingmachine
Process
Theprocedureinvolvestheinstallationofaninflatablepacker(Figure2)whichisplacedinthe
wellboreatleast50feetbelowthewellcasinganddriveshoesealandatleast60feetbelow
ground surface to insure that the process does not break the seal or allow surface water
contaminants to enter the well. The packer is inflated or locked into position and water is
pumpedthroughthepackerunderpressure.Mostapplicationsrequirebetween500and2000
poundspersquareinch(psi)pressureandinsomecases4500psipressuremaybeneededin
tightrockformations.
Fig2Inflatablepacker

21Mar2014 35
Ifsuccessful,pressurewillsteadilyrisetoamaximumlevelastherockformationresistsflow
thenwillsuddenlydropoffandstabilizeatalowerpressure.Thedropinpressureindicatesthat
theformationisacceptingwaterandtheresistancetoflowisdiminished.Waterispumpedinto
theformationfor5to30minutes.Injectionpumpdeliveryratesof200to350litresperminute.
Itisextremelyimportantthatonlyclean,disinfectedwaterisusedforinjectionwater
becauseoftheextremepressuresinvolvedandthepotentialforforcingcontaminantdeepinto
thebedrockaquifer.Whensuccessful,hydrofracturingcanproducemodestwellyieldincreases.
However,dependingontheoriginalyieldofthewell,amodestlyincreasedyieldmayrepresent
asignificantincreaseiftheoriginalyieldwasverylow.Duetogeologicconditions,insome
instanceshydrofracturingwillnotincreasewellyield.Becauseofthelargevolumesofwater
usedintheprocess,ClearwaterDrillingrecommendswaitingaminimumof48hourstodoa
yieldtest.Thisallowsthebedrockaquifertoreachequilibrium.Thiswillinsureamoretruetest.
Rainwatercanbedirectedtotheborewellandafterthefracturingtheborewellwill
absorbmorewater.Whenimperviouslayersoverliedeeperaquifers,theinfiltrationfromsurface
cannot recharge the subsurface aquifer under natural conditions. The hydro fracturing
techniqueishelpfultorechargetheconfined aquifersdirectlyfrom surfacewatersourceare
grouped under subsurface recharge techniques. These techniques modify the aquifer
characteristicstoincreaseitscapacitytostoreandtransmitwater.Withsuchmodifications,the
aquifer,atleastlocally,becomescapableofreceivingmorenaturalaswellasartificialrecharge.
Hence,inasensethistechniqueisartificialyieldaugmentationmeasureratherthanartificial
rechargemeasures.
Summary
This technique is suited to hard crystalline rocks of Kerala. Through hydrogeological

investigation,suitablesitesarefixedwheretheaquiferdisplayslimitedyieldthatdwindlesor
driesinsummermonths.

21Mar2014 36
CANWECONSERVEPARTOFPOTABLEGROUNDWATER
THATREGULARLYDISCHARGESTOSEAACROSSTHE
KERALACOAST?
D.S.SureshBabu
NationalCentreforEarthScienceStudies
MinistryofEarthSciences,GovernmentofIndia
Akkulam,Thiruvananthapuram695031,India
Email:dssbabu@gmail.com
Abstract
Whilesurfacewaterflowissignificantlyregulatedbytheconstructionofweirs,checkdamsand
multipurposedamsofdifferentdimensionsallalongthestate,noefforthasbeentakenseriouslyto
estimate the annual loss of subsurface flow and also to control its discharge to sea. In fact,
multifariousriverflowrecordersarefittedinthedrainagenetworktomeasurethedischargesona
seasonalbasis.Ontheotherhand,theextensiveopenwellandtubewellwatertablemeasurements
donotallowustocalculatethetotalvolumeofgroundwaterthatisflowingthroughaparticular
area,asaquifermappingworkhasnotbeencompleted.Thisisparticularlytrueinthecaseof
coastalaquifers.HencethematterneedsurgentattentionofhydrogeologistssinceKeralasunique
topographicalconstraintsdoaffectthegroundwaterreservesalso,asinthecaseofsurfacerunoff.
ThesoilmoisturereflectancemapofKeralacoastalzonepreparedusingsummersignalvalueshas
shown that there are potential zones favourable for groundwater discharge to sea during dry
seasons.Threesuchzonescouldbeidentifiedwithintheshallowaquiferhorizonusing IRSLISSIII
data.BasedonthewetnessfactorofsoilinterpretedfromMIRspectralvalues,thepermanentlywet
coastalsegmentscouldbedemarcated.Sincecloudfreedataarenotnormallyavailableformostof
themonthsinthecaseofSWIndiancoast,successiveanalysesonchangesinsoilmoisturecontent
couldnotbecarriedout.However,itisassumedthattheanalyzeddataofpremonsoonsummer
periodindicatesthestabilizedandlowestpositionofwatertableinthatareaandbelowwhich
saturated state of soil moisture exists throughout the year. The release of groundwater to sea
(submarinegroundwaterdischarge)normallytakesplacealongfractures,unconformities,limestone
crevassesandsandstoneporosities.Geologically,suchfavourablezonesdooccuralongtheKerala
coastal zone at many places. Subsequent to the delineation of potential zones of probable
groundwater discharge through satellite data, hydrogeological surveys, topographic surveys and
water table measurements were resorted to ascertain the geometry of discharge zone along the
beach.Combinationofapparentresistivityandselfpotentialprovidesinferredlithologicallayersas
wellasthicknessofwaterbearingformationsatthelandwardsideofinvestigatedsites. Insitu
Radonmeasurementsintheseabottomwatersamplesofferssignaturesofgroundwaterdischarge
sitesatthemarineside.Thenetannualseawarddischargeofgroundwaterwascomputedusing
modellingtechniquesappliedtoshallowaquiferunits.Itisadvocatedthatasystematicapproachis
necessary along the coastal zone of Kerala to identify and demarcate favourable zones of
groundwaterdischargestosea.Further,aneffectiveflowcontrolmechanismshouldbeenforcedby
installingadequatenumberofsubsurfacedykesonallthefeasiblesitesintheupstreamside.This
canbetakenupwiththehelpofconcernedLSGbodiesasinthecaseofwatershedmanagement
options,whichareinvogue,atmanypartsofthestate.

21Mar2014 37
FreshwatersourcesinKeralaEnvironmentalthreatsand
conservationstrategies
D.Padmalal
NationalCentreforEarthScienceStudies
MinistryofEarthSciences,GovernmentofIndia
Akkulam,Thiruvananthapuram695031,India
Email:drdpadmalal@gmail.com
Waterisavitalresourceforthesustenanceoflife.Itisanindispensibleresourceforagriculture,
industriesandalmostalltheotherhumanactivities.Ensuringuninterruptedfreshwatersupplyis
oneofthegreatestchallengesofthemodernworld.Beinglimitedinquantity,freshwaterresource
bothsurfaceandsubsurfaceneedstobewiselyconservedandcautiouslymanagedforthebenefitof
thepresentandfuturegenerations.Withvaryingdegreesofsuccessmankindhavecorrectedthe
imbalanceinavailabilityofwaterbystoringinreservoirsandalsochannellingtowaterscarce
areas.Atthesametime,waterpollutionfromindustry,agricultureandurbancentresmakesthe
situationcomplexasthequalityandquantityoffreshwaterresourcesareoftencriticallyaffectedby
humaninterference.Reportsrevealthatinferiorqualitywaterisoftenusedtomeetthefreshwater
demandinmanypartsoftheworld.Indiaisnotanexception.Thequalityofsurfaceandsubsurface
water is a function of both natural influences and human activities. In the absence of human
influences,waterqualitywouldsolelybedeterminedbythenaturalprocessesweatheringofcrustal
rocks,atmosphericfallouts,leachingoforganicmatterandnutrientsfromsoil,hydrologicalfactors
thatleadtorunoff,andbiologicalprocessesinthelivingworld.Itisnowwidelyacceptedthatwater
managementpracticesmustbeintegratedonriverbasinscaleforachievingdesirableresults.And,
eachwatersourceinthebasinshouldbemonitoredwithutmostcareandprecisionforlayingdown
strategiesforitseffectiveconservationandmanagement.
Thewaterrelatedissuesareverycriticalindenselypopulatedareasofdevelopingeconomies
likeKerala.Althoughthestatereceivesheavyrainfall(~3000mm),itsdistributioniserraticboth
spatiallyandseasonally.Storingwaterinsurfaceaswellassubsurfacereservoirsofnaturaland/or
manmadeformsis,perhaps,theonlysolutiontoovercomethiscrisis.Unfortunately,theincreased
humaninterferencesinthepast34decadesresultedfromrapideconomicgrowthhassignificantly
deterioratedthecapabilityofmostofoursurfaceandsubsurfacestorages.Asaresultmanyofthe
traditionalwatersourceslikewells,springsetc.,startedshowinglowyields,especiallyinsummer
months.Therisingincidencesofwaterbornediseasesareindicativeoftheeverworseningwater
qualityproblemsinthestate.Theproblemswillbecomplicatedfurtherasthestateisundergoing
rapidurbanizationandeconomicdevelopments.Thepresenttrendofclimatechangewillalsohave
adecisiveroleindeterminingthequalityandquantityofthefreshwaterresourcesinthestate.
Itistruethatthefreshwateravailabilityofacountryoraregionremainsalmostconstant.
Butaspopulationincreases,thepercapitaavailabilityofwaterdecreases.Analysisoftheavailable
datarevealsthatduringthelast100years,thepercapitawateravailabilityinIndiahasdecreased
by4timeswhilethatofKeralaby5times.Atthesametime,thedemandofwaterhasincreased
exponentiallyovertheyears.Itisestimatedthatthedemandoffreshwaterinthestatewas1026
millionlitresin1901,whichincreasedabout5times(5342millionlitres)in2011.Aunitlandof
Keralareceives2.5timesmorerainfallthanthenationalaverage.Atthesametime,thesameland
unithastosupport3.6timesmorepopulation,inadditiontosatisfyingtherequirementsofarich
biologicalstockoftheregion.Allthesereiteratetheneedforcarefulmonitoring,planning,wise
use/managementandconservationofourfreshwatersources.

21Mar2014 38

Kerala Water Security Plan 2025 Outline

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RegionalWorkshopon

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

LongTerm Perspective Todays watermanagement decisions will beundertaken within the

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

ActionArea2.2PrivateSystems: Largenumberof peopleobtaintheirwaterfromprivate

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

Goal 7: Ensure water management and decisionmaking processes are coordinated,

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

A number of activities are completely prohibited in these wetlands, including: reclamation,

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

Environment Impact Assessment Notification. The Environment Impact Assessment

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as waterfowl habitats,

Bonn Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species, 1979. According to the Bonn

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

In situconservation. Each contracting parties shall declare a region harbouring immense

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

Sl. SectorDescription NationalWaterPolicy NationalWaterPolicy DraftNationalWaterPolicy(2012)

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

Sl.No. Stage of Groundwater SignificantLongtermDecline Categorization

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

Yes Yes Tobereassessed

Yes Yes Tobereassessed

Yes Yes Critical

Yes Yes OverExploited

1 ALAPPUZHA 45365.10 12934.84 29

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

2 Ananganadi SubsurfaceDam(1979) Palghat CGWB(SIDAProject) N.A

5 MayyilHarijanColony RoofTopRainwater Kannur DistrictCollectorate 1,53,150

7 Ayilam SubsurfaceDam(2000) Trivandrum KeralaLandDevelopment 6,25,000

21 SecretariatBuilding RainwaterHarvesting, Trivandrum PWD,Kerala 2,82,637

23 Govt.UPS, ARSchemeindistrict(2009 Kasargod BedadkaGramPt 8,75,000

25 Chittoorcollege RainWaterHarvesting Palakkad GroundwaterDepartment 4,32,153

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

SlNo. Districts Volume of VolumeofWater Volume of

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

This technique is suited to hard crystalline rocks of Kerala. Through hydrogeological

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

RegionalWorkshopon'WaterConservationinKeralaProspectsand Challenges' CentralGroundWaterBoard,Trivandrum,India

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