Kerala set for water shortage

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is likely to face a severe water shortage since poor monsoon rains this year have led to inadequate storage in dams, water resources minister NK Premachandran said on Monday.

“Things are bad. The state received 65% less rainfall than last year in the 37 days of monsoon since June 1. As a result, water levels in various dams are falling fast,” Premachandran told the state assembly.

Moreover, distribution agencies and consumers owe large amounts of money to Kerala Water Authority. “The total outstanding for last fiscal is Rs7.89 billion. This comprises Rs6.09 billion from local bodies and Rs1.79 billion from domestic, non-domestic and industrial users,” Premachandran said.

Due to the fall in water levels in dams, Kerala earlier this month announced daily power cuts for half an hour in a phased manner between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.