ABSTRACT

The state of Kerala is a narrow strip of land lying at the south-western tip of the Indian peninsula. Despite receiving annual rainfall of the order of 3000 mm the region is witnessing steady water table draw down and worsening dry season water shortages. The possible reasons for the anomaly of water shortage in spite of ample rainfall is explored. The impact of various distinctive features of the region like topography, high population pressure, extensive land use/land cover (LULC) changes and changes in agricultural practices etc. on hydrology is critically examined. In particular, the impact of filling up of paddy fields and marshlands and conversion of forests into plantations and the concerted effect of changes in II-DP (Intensity Frequency Duration Phase) of rainfall alongside of these, is estimated. From the insights gained, policy measures towards achieving drought resilience are drafted and presented.

The rivers of the region are self-contained, originating from the Western Ghats, and all except three flowing into the Arabian sea. The land, which slopes from the Ghats to the sea, is in its topography, similar to an island. Such a feature is common to landmasses in general; most rivers drain into the sea. The hydrological analysis and the measures suggested here for drought resilience, have relevance to more general situations, due to this.