Sustainable Rainwater Management - A Paradoxical Situation in Coastal Dakshina Kannada District

Water is the sustainer of all forms of life and plays a critical role on ecosystem. In order to meet the rise in demands, groundwater reserves are tapped, often to unsustainable levels, resulting in the rapid depletion of water tables. In coastal cities, over extraction of groundwater has led to intrusion of salinity in its aquifers.

Contrary to heavy monsoon, Dakshina Kannada district of coastal Karnataka experiences drinking water shortfall in summer, especially in rural parts. In the light of above background, a study was conducted (2012) in the Grama Panchayath level of Mangalore taluk in coastal Dakshina Kannada district.

Extracting more water to meet increasing demand results in groundwater overdraft and is found in the entire rural Mangalore taluk. Groundwater depletion has also resulted in salinity and undue mineral contents in deep borewells making water non-potable. Mere increased spending on water projects has not improved the water scenario. Key suggestions include protection of local water bodies, joint projects to share the river water, strengthening the local traditional water harvesting techniques, recognizing individual efforts, proper execution of government schemes and participatory approach for a sustainable water management at the coastal region.