Though the tiny state of Kerala in South India appears to be extraordinarily rich in water resources, there are several challenges associated with its sustainable management. Recent occurrences of extreme climatic events in the form of heavy rainfall over noticeably short periods, signify the urgent need for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the state. Revisiting the state water policy in this context needs wider consultations and more meaningful deliberations. Along with a broad overview of the surface water potential of the state, this paper discusses some of the important concerns that are to be addressed with adequate policy responses. Pollution abatement, ensuring adequate environmental flows in the river basins, having the Water Resources Information System (WRIS) in place, revisiting its interstate water sharing pacts, grooming the real time integrated operation of its reservoirs, and rolling out conjunctive water management plans are all vital. Equally vital are the plans to improve water conservation, propagating community micro irrigation systems and adopting climate resilient cropping. Setting up the appropriate institutional arrangements and enabling the environment for IWRM must be crucial for the state in this perspective.
Surface Water Resources of Kerala: Key Policy Issues and Management Strategies
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Though the tiny state of Kerala in South India appears to be extraordinarily rich in water resources, there are several challenges associated with its sustainable management. Recent occurrences of extreme climatic events in the form of heavy rainfall over noticeably short periods, signify the urgent need for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the state. Revisiting the state water policy in this context needs wider consultations and more meaningful deliberations. Along with a broad overview of the surface water potential of the state, this paper discusses some of the important concerns that are to be addressed with adequate policy responses. Pollution abatement, ensuring adequate environmental flows in the river basins, having the Water Resources Information System (WRIS) in place, revisiting its interstate water sharing pacts, grooming the real time integrated operation of its reservoirs, and rolling out conjunctive water management plans are all vital. Equally vital are the plans to improve water conservation, propagating community micro irrigation systems and adopting climate resilient cropping. Setting up the appropriate institutional arrangements and enabling the environment for IWRM must be crucial for the state in this perspective.
Publication Mode |
Online |
---|---|
Publication Author |
Sudheer Padikkal |
Publication Language |
English |
Publication Type |
Conference Paper |
Publication Year |
2021 |
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