The district had wished for both divine and human intervention last
year, when it witnessed a severe shortage of rainfall. This year
Malappuram has started facing symptoms of drought even before the start
of summer.
According to groundwater department data, the
groundwater level in the district has gone down by two to six metres
this year when compared to the last year. The rivers like Olippuzha and
Kallanpuzha, which provides water to the high-range areas of the
district, have nearly dried-up. Human-animal conflict has become a
common issue in the forest borders of the district as animals are
migrating to the human habitat in search of water.
“The water
level has been diminishing drastically in the district. The situation
will be disastrous if the district is not blessed with heavy rains. At
present the district is facing an acute shortage of groundwater. There
is also a drop in the water levels in the wells,” Shabi, Junior
Hydrologist with the District Ground Water Department told ‘Express’.
Vanishing hills are one of the main causes for water shortage in the district.
“There
is also rapid conversion of paddy fields to other purposes which is
affecting the storage of ground water. Change in farming culture is
also a reason,” Shabi added.
Ins some areas people are experiencing an alarming drop in well water levels
“If
we use a motor the water will disappear in no time. I have not
witnessed such a crisis in my life time. Municipality has also limited
the drinking water distribution to alternative days. So it is very
difficult to meet the daily needs with in such limitations,” Mohanan, a
resident of Malappuram town said.
