Abstract:
Kavaratty is a small tropical island of Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea with an area of about 3.63 sq.km and supports a groundwater dependent ecosystem. Even though the island receives an annual rainfall of about 1600 mm, freshwater scarcity is felt in parts of the island due to various factors such as low elevation of ground and low aspect ratio. High density of population, high density of deep rooted vegetation, shallow groundwater condition, improper sewage disposal and increase in groundwater draft impart stress on the freshwater resources in this island in terms of quantity and quality. It has got about 130 wells per 1000 persons. The estimated groundwater recharge and groundwater draft are 1.85 MCM and 1.1 MCM respectively and the spatial and temporal variations in water quality are very high. The shallow fresh water, which floats over the seawater in the form of lens, is very much susceptible to pollution and cleansing of aquifers is a difficult task as the lateral movement of ground water is restricted. High concentration of nitrate (NO3> 50 mg/I) is observed in many wells and ponds indicating sewage pollution. The strategies on groundwater management for its sustainable development and protection from quality impairment are discussed in the paper. It is essential to maintain a pure drinking water supply scheme differentiated from other domestic supplies. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is being successfully practiced in many of the houses and in government quarters in the island with individual beneficiary maintaining the system and thereby ensuring essential supply of fresh drinking water throughout the year.
Fixing a price for pumping ground water can deter the misuse of such a drinking water system for other domestic uses. Proper management strategy for the island is dealt with in the paper. It involves an integration of deterrents and promotional options for regulation of groundwater draft, maintenance of proper sanitation facilities, and rainwater harvesting systems. This will help to improve the water quality as well as reduce stress on the freshwater lens. The groundwater governance of this kind visualizes the overall physical and aesthetic improvement in the life of the island without affecting the ecosystem.
