Central Ground Water Board To Restore Tamil Nadu's Groundwater With Rs 3,500 Cr Plan

(MENAFN- KNN India) Chennai, Feb 8 (KNN) The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has developed a comprehensive master plan to address groundwater depletion in Tamil Nadu through the construction of recharge structures, with an estimated investment of Rs 3,500 crore.

The initiative aims to rehabilitate areas currently classified as semi-critical, critical, and overexploited into safe extraction zones.

M Sivakumar, Regional Director of CGWB's South Eastern Coastal Region, revealed during an interaction program on groundwater sustainability at Tamil University, Thanjavur, that only 30 percent of Tamil Nadu's area currently maintains safe groundwater extraction levels.

This stands in stark contrast to the national average of 60 percent, with 246 of the state's 385 blocks falling under concerning categories. Sivakumar attributed this intensive groundwater usage to Tamil Nadu's advanced industrial and agricultural development.

The master plan encompasses various recharge structures, including recharge shafts, borewells, check dams, farm ponds, and percolation ponds.

Notably, the agricultural sector consumes 80 percent of both groundwater and surface water resources, prompting CGWB to advocate for more efficient irrigation practices.

The board specifically recommends the adoption of drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and wet-dry farming methods to optimise water utilisation.

To enhance monitoring capabilities, the CGWB has installed Automated Digital Water Level Recorders with Telemetry at 1,000 strategic locations across Tamil Nadu.

These systems are designed to issue immediate alerts when water salinity levels change, enabling the state government to implement timely remedial measures.

This technological integration represents a significant step toward proactive groundwater management and conservation.

The phased implementation of this master plan underscores the government's commitment to addressing Tamil Nadu's groundwater challenges through systematic intervention and modern conservation techniques.

This initiative marks a crucial step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's water resources while supporting its continued industrial and agricultural growth.

(KNN Bureau)

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