Though there are expectations that the severe drought, which the state experienced this year, might be compensated by the good monsoon, ground realities suggest a different scenario. According to a report by Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) called ‘Climate change and India: A 4x4 assessment’, water resources show up to 10 per cent reduction by 2030 in the state. Since the state is largely dependent on rain and groundwater for its agricultural and industrial purposes, water availability will be a major issue, the report stated.
The INCCA is a network-based programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which consists of over 120 institutions and over 250 scientists nationwide.Though the report stated only 10 per cent reduction will happen in water resources, environmentalists opine that the extent will be more. Major reasons for this are fast degradation of water resources, less water storage facilities, less groundwater recharge, and pollution and increased salinity of groundwater in the district. Environmentalist C R Neelakandan said water scarcity would be severe in the state in the coming years. “The reduction in water resources is faster in Kerala as compared to other states. The capacity to recharge groundwater is lesser in the state,” he said.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures are expected to rise up to 4 degree Celsius by 2050 which will have an adverse impact on water resources in the state too. Prasannan, Executive Engineer, Kerala Groundwater Department, said recharge of groundwater is not taking place. “Even if the state gets good monsoon, the recharge of groundwater will not take place completely. The key to prevent water resource reduction is to inculcate awareness among people, which is happening with the help of local bodies and is a positive step in this regard. The government is insisting upon constructing water conservation units in newly-built houses. This will prove to be a perfect remedy for water scarcity in the future,” he added.
