WRD to Deploy Recharge Shafts for Groundwater Revival in Tamil Nadu

Quick Summary

• The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) will launch a large-scale project to install 576 artificial recharge shafts across 23 districts at a cost of ₹6.74 crore.
• districts identified for the installation include Ranipet, Salem, Erode, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, and Villupuram among others. Some districts like Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga are included due to declining water quality rather than over-extraction.
• Recharge shafts will be installed between depths of 10m and 100m depending on geological factors (lithology) near waterbodies or structures like check dams.
• These installations aim to accelerate groundwater recharge by up to 20%-30%, addressing over-exploitation in areas where extraction rates have exceeded natural replenishment capacities.
• Groundwater assessments indicate that out of tamil Nadu’s total 1,202 firkas (small revenue divisions), 392 are classified as over-exploited for groundwater resources in comparison to slightly higher figures from last year’s assessment-395 in 2023.
• Impact radius of these recharge shafts is expected between 500 m and 1 km with effects observable through monthly or annual assessments post-installation.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The initiative by Tamil Nadu WRD reflects a proactive approach toward addressing critical groundwater challenges exacerbated by over-extraction and quality deterioration across various districts.With high extraction rates observed in places like Vellore (exceeding annual capacity by more than 130%), this program could provide much-needed relief. By leveraging artificial recharge technology compatible with site-specific lithology considerations, the state hopes not only to stabilize depleting water tables but also improve long-term environmental sustainability.

This comprehensive plan aligns with broader climate adaptation efforts amid increasing demands on diminishing groundwater resources in India. Its phased implementation before the Northeast monsoon demonstrates thoughtful planning that could deliver tangible results within years rather than decades if scalability remains feasible post-pilot evaluations-and residents may feel direct benefits soon given anticipated coverage per shaft installation.

Read more: Full Article