Water stress is a condition in a certain area during a period when the need for water is greater than its availability. Representative file image. | Photo credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
Kasaragod, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode have a high number of wards suffering from repeated summer water stress, according to a study by the Kozhikode-based government agency Center for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM).
Water stress is a condition in a certain area during a period when the need for water is greater than its availability. A study titled ‘Kerala Water Resources Assessment 2024: Rainfall, Rivers, Groundwater and Wetlands’ was recently released. He says Kerala experiences repeated summer water stress between March and May despite high annual rainfall, caused by uneven seasonal distribution, limited storage, rising demand and rising heat.
As many as 24.74% wards in Kasaragod, 22.01% in Thiruvananthapuram, 20.72% in Pathanamthitta and 20.48% in Kozhikode are experiencing high water stress. The number of affected wards in Kasaragod, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode are 217, 286, 216 and 361 respectively. Malappuram (14.84%), Idukki (10.60%), Alappuzha (10.41%) and Kannur (9.60%) have moderate water stress. In districts such as Kasaragod and Kannur, groundwater depletion and saline intrusion have been identified as critical problems, while in Wayanad and Malappuram, inadequate distribution networks and unreliable municipal supplies have exacerbated the crisis.
Despite ongoing efforts such as rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, the effectiveness of these interventions has been found to be limited due to increasing demand and insufficient storage capacity. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to water management that includes upgrading infrastructure, promoting sustainable water conservation practices and improving the efficiency of water distribution systems. It also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and awareness in the efficient management of water resources. Policymakers and local authorities must implement targeted interventions and develop long-term strategies to alleviate water scarcity, increase water resilience and ensure sustainable access to water for all residents in the state, the study said.
Published – 19 Oct 2025 20:29 IST
