Rainfall Intensity and Quantity of Groundwater along the Coastal Area of Kanyakumari to Colachel, South Tamil Nadu Before and After Tsunami

Rainfall intensity and groundwater quantity in Coastal area of Kanyakumari to Colachel coastal belt after Tsunami was used to assess the capacity of groundwater for determining its suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater were also analysed based on the rainfall intensity. In Kanyakumari district, the surface water resources have been fully utilized. The surface flow is more during monsoon periods. The deficient monsoon rainfall has affected the flow of surface water into reservoirs, anacuts, lakes, etc. Surface water and rainwater are widely used for irrigation. Consequently, agriculturists have to a great extent depend upon an alternate source, viz., groundwater for irrigation requirements. Groundwater in the area is generally very good, pleasant, fresh to brackish, average to very low saline and low alkaline in nature and fit both for agriculture and drinking purposes. Permissible average total hardness and TDS in all places of the study area identify the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation. In the study area less groundwater extraction keeps the water table high. The elevated topography, more rainfall and limited groundwater extraction, keeps the Kanyakumari coastal belt free from sea water intrusion. Quantity of water is generally good throughout the district due to continuous rain fall in all monsoon seasons. Comparing the results of water quantity like surface water and subsurface water before and after Tsunami there is not much change in the quantity.