The Namakkal district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, housing a population of approximately 1.7 million people, has recently been lauded for its proactive measures towards water conservation and management. Its remarkable success is evident through an obvious improvement in groundwater availability. The Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s annual ranking named it the second-best district in India in this realm for the year 2022.
The Strategies Employed by Namakkal District for Water Conservation Success
The district credited its success to a comprehensive approach that integrated modern infrastructure with community participation. This multi-faceted plan included methods such as rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of local rivers, and desilting canals.
The water infrastructure was significantly upgraded with the inclusion of advanced technologies. These enabled better monitoring and control of the water supply networks. Due to these efforts, water leakages reduced, and distribution was optimised to a great extent.
A significant part of this strategic plan involved rejuvenating the area’s small river. The district achieved it through the construction of check dams and ponds, thus improving surface water availability. Another positive outcome was the reported potability of the surface water.
Artificial Recharge Structures: A Key Element of Namakkal’s Plan
Namakkal also focussed on constructing a host of artificial recharge structures. These ranged from farm ponds and recharge shafts to check dams. Their main aim was to replenish the area’s groundwater.
The Role of Community in Water Preservation
The district actively encouraged residents to participate in their conservation efforts. Coupled with awareness campaigns and educational programmes, this active involvement fostered a water conservation culture among the local population.
Outcomes of Namakkal’s Effective Water Management Efforts
There were several positive outcomes stemming from these measures implemented in Namakkal. For starters, the district noticed a significant improvement in groundwater availability and quality.
The average water level in the 116 dug wells improved remarkably from 11.48( mbgl) metres below ground level in January 2019 to 6 mbgl by January 2022. Another considerable achievement was the reduction of water consumption and wastage in the district.
Namakkal district also started reusing domestic and industrial wastewater for horticulture and other industrial purposes, marking a major step towards sustainable water usage.
Lessons to be Learnt from Namakkal’s Successful Water Management
Namakkal’s success offers valuable insights for other regions grappling with water scarcity issues. Foremost is the need for efficient rainwater harvesting systems for water conservation. Alongside, restoration of natural water bodies and initiatives to tackle pollution and encroachment should be prioritised.
Utilising advanced technologies assists in close monitoring, leak detection, and ensuring efficient water distribution. Additionally, community awareness and participation can be promoted through education and collaborative initiatives. Acknowledging the role of every stakeholder in water conservation can lead to substantial results, as illustrated by the winning example of Namakkal district.