Key Takeaways
- The Tejaswini river water extraction project proposes to extract 20 million litres of water daily from the river
- The project has sparked concerns over water scarcity and lack of scientific assessment
- The Action Committee has organized a human chain and submitted memoranda to the MLAs and District Collector
- The project has a March 2028 deadline, linked to the availability of Central government funding
- The success of the project will have significant implications for the management of water resources in India
Introduction to the Tejaswini River Water Extraction Project
The Tejaswini river in Kerala's Kasaragod district has become a focal point of protest against a large-scale water extraction project. The project, proposed by the Kerala Water Authority, aims to extract around 20 million litres of water daily from the river to supply to seven local bodies in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
The protesters, led by the Action Committee, are not against supplying drinking water to people, but are opposed to extracting a substantial quantity of water from the Tejaswini without first establishing through a scientific study whether the river can sustain it.
Background of the Project
The Kerala Water Authority's proposed Trikkaripur adjoining panchayat drinking water project envisages drawing water from the Tejaswini and supplying it to Kariverllur-Peralam and Kankol-Alapadamba panchayats in Kannur and five panchayats in Kasaragod. The project is estimated to cost โน400 crore with around 9,000 km of distribution network planned to provide connections to around 26,000 households.
Concerns over Water Scarcity
The protesters fear that the river does not have sufficient flow to sustain such extraction, particularly during the summer months. They are concerned that the extraction could aggravate water scarcity in the region, affecting the availability of water in downstream areas.
According to Action Committee coordinator M. Chandran, the river does not have the flow required to support the proposed extraction, especially during the summer months. He emphasized the need for a scientific assessment of the flow of the river and water availability before the project is taken forward.
Cumulative Impact of Water Extraction
The committee is also concerned about the cumulative requirements of different schemes and their impact on the river and groundwater, particularly in coastal areas. K. Suresh, another committee member, pointed out that water is already being drawn from the river for the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, while drinking water projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission are also being implemented in Kankol-Alapadamba and Kayyur-Cheemeni panchayat.
The committee has demanded that further work on the project be stopped, and that the project be reconsidered unless a comprehensive study establishes that the river can sustain the proposed withdrawal without adversely affecting downstream availability.
Project Details and Timeline
The project has a March 2028 deadline, linked to the availability of Central government funding. According to KWA project division assistant engineer Subin, a study has been conducted, and the project has been designed taking into account the available flow and storage. He added that the Palayi regulator has 4.49 million cubic metres of stored water, while the project would require about 1.8 MCM over 60 days at 20 MLD.
Protest Activities and Community Response
The Action Committee has organized a human chain near Mukkada bridge against the project. The committee has decided to submit memoranda to the MLAs of Trikaripur and Kanhangad and the Kasaragod District Collector.
- The project proposes to extract around 20 million litres of water daily from the Tejaswini river.
- The quantity of water extraction is expected to cross 30 MLD in March and April.
- The project aims to supply water to seven local bodies in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
- The project has a March 2028 deadline, linked to the availability of Central government funding.
M. Chandran, Action Committee coordinator, said, 'The river does not have the flow required to support the proposed extraction, especially during the summer months. A scientific assessment of the flow of the river and water availability is essential before the project is taken forward.'
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K. Suresh, another committee member, said, 'The issue is not simply the quantity proposed to be extracted under one project. The cumulative requirements of different schemes and their impact on the river and groundwater, particularly in coastal areas, should be scientifically assessed.'
Implications for Readers in India
The protest against the Tejaswini river water extraction project highlights the importance of responsible water management and the need for scientific assessments before implementing large-scale projects. As India continues to face water scarcity challenges, it is essential for communities to come together and demand sustainable solutions that prioritize the health of rivers and groundwater.
What to Watch Next
The outcome of the protest and the future of the Tejaswini river water extraction project will be closely watched by communities across India. As the project moves forward, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and ensure that the concerns of local communities are addressed. The success of this project will have significant implications for the management of water resources in India and the protection of rivers like the Tejaswini.
Expert Perspective
Experts in the field of water management emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to water resource management, taking into account the social, environmental, and economic impacts of large-scale projects. They stress that the Tejaswini river water extraction project should be subject to rigorous scientific assessment and public consultation to ensure that it is sustainable and equitable.
Timeline of Events
The protest against the Tejaswini river water extraction project began in response to the announcement of the project by the Kerala Water Authority. The following is a timeline of key events:
- Announcement of the project by the Kerala Water Authority
- Formation of the Action Committee to oppose the project
- Organization of a human chain near Mukkada bridge against the project
- Submission of memoranda to the MLAs of Trikaripur and Kanhangad and the Kasaragod District Collector
Conclusion
The Tejaswini river water extraction project has sparked a heated debate about the management of water resources in India. As the project moves forward, it is essential for stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and ensure that the concerns of local communities are addressed. The success of this project will have significant implications for the management of water resources in India and the protection of rivers like the Tejaswini.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tejaswini river water extraction project?
The Tejaswini river water extraction project is a proposed project by the Kerala Water Authority to extract 20 million litres of water daily from the Tejaswini river to supply to seven local bodies in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
Why are people protesting against the project?
People are protesting against the project due to concerns over water scarcity and lack of scientific assessment. They fear that the extraction could aggravate water scarcity in the region and affect the availability of water in downstream areas.
What is the Action Committee doing to oppose the project?
The Action Committee has organized a human chain near Mukkada bridge and submitted memoranda to the MLAs of Trikaripur and Kanhangad and the Kasaragod District Collector. They are demanding that further work on the project be stopped and that the project be reconsidered unless a comprehensive study establishes that the river can sustain the proposed withdrawal without adversely affecting downstream availability.
