CONSERVE WATER – SAVE LIFE

भारत सरकार
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

जल संसाधन मंत्रालय
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

केंद्रीय भज
ू ल बोर्ड
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
केरल क्षेत्र
KERALA REGION

भज
ू ल सच
ू ना पस्ु ततका, इर्ुक्की स्जल्ला, केरल राज्य
GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET OF IDUKKI DISTRICT, KERALA STATE

ततरुवनंतपुरम
Thiruvananthapuram

December 2013
 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET

OF
IDUKKI DISTRICT, KERALA

द्वारा
By
स ग
िं दरु ै ए
वैज्ञातनक ख

Singadurai S.
Scientist B

KERALA REGION BHUJAL BHAVAN

KEDARAM, PATTOM PO NH-IV, FARIDABAD
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – 695 004 HARYANA- 121 001
TEL: 0471-2442175 TEL: 0129-12419075
FAX: 0471-2442191 FAX: 0129-2142524
 GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET OF
IDUKKI DISTRICT, KERALA STATE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 RAINFALL & CLIMATE ...................................................................................................................... 3
3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES ........................................................................................... 5
4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO ........................................................................................................... 6
6.0 GROUND WATER RELATED ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ............................................................. 11
7.0 AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY .................................................................................... 12
8.0 AREA NOTIFIED BY CGWA/SGWA ................................................................................................ 12
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 12

LIST OF TABLES

Table: 1 Incidence of Annual Rainfall in Idukki district, Kerala (2006-2011) .............................. 3

Table. 2 Dynamic Ground Water Resources of Idukki District, Kerala (As in March 2009) ....... 8
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Index map of Idukki District, Kerala ......................................................................................... 13

Figure 2: Depth to Decadal Average Water Level (Premonsoon April 2002-11) ..................................... 14
Figure 3: Depth to Decadal Average Water Level (Postmonsoon (Nov-2002-2011) ................................. 15
Figure 4 : Hydrogeology of Idukki District, Kerala State ........................................................................... 16
Figure 5: Categorisation of Blocks in Idukki District ................................................................................. 17
Figure 6: Artificial Recharge Structures proposed in Idukki District ......................................................... 18

LIST OF ANNEXURES

Annexure – I Salient Details of Exploratory Bore Wells Constructed by CGWB in Idukki District ......... 19
Annexure – 2: Hydrochemical Data of Select Dug Wells in Idukki District, Kerala ................................. 20
Annexure – 3: Hydrochmical Data of Select Bore Wells in Idukki District, Kerala .................................. 21
 IDUKKI DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Sl ITEMS STATISTICS
No.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
i) Geographical area (Sq km) 4476
ii) Administrative Divisions (As on 31-03-2010)
Number of Tehsil / Block 4/8
Number of Municipalities 1
Number of Panchayats / Villages 51/64
iii) Population (2011 Census) 1107453
iv) Average annual rainfall (mm) 3677
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major physiographic units Midland region, Plateau,
High Ranges
Major Drainages Periyar river, Muvattupuzha
river, Amaravathi river
3. LAND USE (Sq km) as in 2009
a) Forest area 2609.07
b) Net area sown 2330.91
4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES Forest loam
Lateritic soil
Brown hydromorphic soil
Alluvial soil
5. AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS (Ha.) as in 2009 Paddy – 3166
Sugarcane – 1790
Cardamom – 32856
Coconut – 24274
Arecanut – 4054
Tea – 23702
Coffee – 9389
Rubber – 38451
Tapioca – 5823
Pepper - 82316
6. AREA IRRIGATED BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (Ha.) as in 2009
Wells (Dug wells / Bore wells) 2355
Tanks / Ponds 5490
Canals 3115
Other Sources 5064
Net Irrigated area 16059
7. NUMBER OF GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELLS OF CGWB
(AS ON 31-3-2011)
No. of Dug wells 33
No. of Piezometers 7
8 PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS Charnockite, Hornblende
biotite gneiss, granite gneiss
9. HYDROGEOLOGY Weathered and fractured
Major Water bearing formations gneisses, Charnockite and
laterite
Depth to water level (Average: 2002 – 11) 0.5 to 8.41 m bgl
Depth to water level (Pre-monsoon) (April 2011) 1.20 to 9.08 mbgl
Depth to water level (Post-monsoon, November 2011) 0.59 to 7.48 mbgl
Long term water level trend (2002-2011) ( m/yr)
Declining trend 0.005 to 1.06
Rising trend 0.0003 to 0.79
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY CGWB (As on 31-03-2011)
No. of wells drilled (EW, OW, PZ, SH, Total) EW -20, OW – 5, PZ - 9
Depth Range (m) 34.50 to 232.20
Discharge (litres per second) Negligible to 14.0
Storativity(S) -
2
Transmissivity (m /day) 1.0 to 503
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY Potable in general
Presence of chemical constituents more than permissible limits N03 more than 100 ppm at
(e.g. EC, F, As, Fe,NO3) Kattappana.
12 DYNAMIC GROUNDWATER RESOURCES (as in March 2009)
Annual Replenishable Ground Water Resources (MCM) 196.55
Net Annual Groundwater Draft (MCM) 82.98
Projected Demand for Domestic and Industrial Uses up to 2025 (MCM) 59.85
Stage of Ground Water Development (%) 42.22
13. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES
Mass Awareness Programme
Date 25/02/2011 & 25.02.2011
Place Kattapana
No. of Participants 150 each.
Water Management Training Programme
Date 23.02.2004
Place Thodupuzha
No. of Participants 32 people
14 EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE & RAINWATER
HARVESTING
Projects completed by CGWB ( No & Amount spent) Nil
Projects under technical guidance of CGWB (Numbers) Nil
15. GROUND WATER CONTROL AND REGULATION
Number of Over Exploited blocks Nil
Number of Critical blocks Nil
Number of blocks notified Nil
16. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND ISSUES Drying up of dug wells in
summer in hilly areas
 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET OF

IDUKKI DISTRICT, KERALA STATE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Idukki district was formed on 26th January 1972 by carving out Devikulam, Peerumade and
Udumbanchola taluks from Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from Ernakulam district.
The geographical area of the district is 4476 sq km. It lies between North latitudes 09 0 16’ 30”
and 10 0 21’00” and East longitudes 760 38’ 00” and 770 24’30”. Idukki district is located in the
south central part of Kerala and forms part of the eastern border of the State with Tamil Nadu. It
is bounded by Ernakulam district in the northwest and west, Kottayam district in the west and
Pathanamthitta district in the south as. The northern and eastern parts of the district are bordered
by the State of Tamil Nadu. The name ‘Idukki’ is derived from the Malayalam word “Idukku”
indicating narrow gorge. The district famous for the largest hydro-electric project in the State,
constructed across the river Periyar. Though Idukki is the major power source of the State, the
district is industrially backward due to lack of transportation facilities. No railway line passes
through the district. About 50% of the district is covered by the forests. Anamudi, the highest
peak in India south of Himalayas, is in the Kuttampuzha Panchayat of Adimali Block, in the
Kannan Devan Hills Village of Devikulam taluk. Thirteen other peaks in the district exceed a
height of 2,000 m (6,600 ft). Agriculture is the main occupation of the people.

1.1 Administration

Idukki district has two revenue divisions with headquarters at Idukki and Devikulam. There are
four taluks in the district, viz: Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Peerumade and Thodupuzha. These
have further been subdivided into 8 Community Development Blocks, 51 Grama Panchayats and
64 revenue villages for administrative convenience. The community development blocks are
Thodupuzha, Elamdesam, Adimali, Devikulam, Nedumkandam, Kattappana and Azhutha
(Figure.1). The district Collectorate is at Painavu, located at ‘Kuyilimala’, a hill station
surrounded by reserve forests. Thodupuzha is the only Municipal town in the district.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

1.2 Drainage & Irrigation

Two west flowing and one east flowing rivers drain the district. Almost 80% of the district is
drained by Periyar River, which is the largest river in Kerala which originates at the southeastern
border of the district. The important tributaries of Periyar River in the district are Mulla Ar,
Panni Ar, Puyankutti Ar, Perinjamkutti Ar and Muthirapuzha Ar. The Periyar River and its
tributaries exhibit good structural control and are aligned along major fracture zones. Two major
tributaries of Muvattupuzha River viz. Kaliyar Ar and Thodupuzha Ar originate from the
Thodupuzha and Nagarampara reserve forests in the district. The northeastern part of the district
is drained by the tributaries of Amaravathi River namely Pambar River and Ten Ar which are
east flowing. A small area in the southern part of the district is drained by Azhutha River which
is the tributary of Pamba River.

More than 50% of the area is under forest cover. The net area sown constitutes about 45% of the
total area. More than 80% of the cropped area is under perennial crops. Cardamom, Tea, Rubber
and Coffee account for more than 50% of the total cropped area and pepper occupies about 25%
area. Paddy cultivation is comparatively less, confined to around 3000 Hectares in the valley ar.
There are no major irrigation projects in the district. Major crops are rain fed. About 16059
hectares of land is under irrigation by different sources.

An index map of the district is given in Figure 1.

1.3 Works carried out by CGWB

The Geological Survey of India carried out geological mapping of parts of the district from 1965
onwards. Detailed geological mapping was done by the Engineering Division of the Geological
Survey of India in connection with the construction of Idukki arch dam. Systematic
hydrogeological surveys covering the tribal hamlets of Devikulam Taluk was done during 1980-
81. Reappraisal hydrogeological survey was done in Periyar basin of the district in the year
1987-88. Reappraisal survey was carried out in Thodupuzha taluk of the district in 1995-96 and
in the rest of the district during 1997-98 and 2003-04.

9 purpose-built observation wells (Piezometers) were constructed in the district under Hydrology
Project during the year 1998 for ground water regime monitoring. Ground water exploration was
carried out in the district down to a depth of 100 m in the year 2003-04 and down to a depth of
200 m through outsourcing in 2004-05.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

As part of the Awareness and Training activities of CGWB, Water Management Training
programmes were conducted at Thodupuzha during 2004 and 2011. A Mass Awareness
Programme on Water Conservation and Protection was organized at Kattappana during 2011.

2.0 RAINFALL & CLIMATE

The district receives an average annual rainfall of about 3677mm, ranging from less than 1000
(Marayoor, Kanthaloor, Chinnar areas and the areas north east of Anamudi) to around 5000 mm
(Peerumedu, Neriyamangalam etc). The rainfall increases from east to west. Eastern part of the
district lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. The major rainfall contribution is
from South West monsoon from June to September which contributes about 60% of the total
annual rainfall. The North East monsoon from October to December contributes 24% of the
annual rainfall and the balance during the period January to May. The incidence of monthly and
annual rainfall in the district during 2006-2011 is shown in Table 1.

Table: 1 Incidence of Annual Rainfall in Idukki district, Kerala (2006-2011)

Rainfall (mm) during

Month
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
January 10.30 01.00 05.00 10.10 12.50 44.00
February 00.00 08.30 44.90 00.30 00.00 41.00
March 138.3 09.60 166.50 102.70 41.30 17.00
April 135.2 207.60 120.20 42.90 160.40 289.0
May 651.1 179.80 65.20 226.70 182.90 65.00
June 585.9 896.60 494.30 443.20 786.50 869.0
July 856.5 1234.1 718.90 983.40 777.30 681.0
August 467.2 616.60 638.40 335.80 543.60 705.0
September 504.8 696.00 426.80 533.00 306.10 383.0
October 435.0 465.70 283.50 296.10 427.90 358.0
November 230.5 92.10 62.40 236.10 305.60 178.0
December 00.00 45.80 05.10 107.20 24.50 46.00
Total 4014.8 4453.2 3031.20 3317.50 3568.60 3676.0

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Though the district have not experienced severe or most severe droughts in the last decade, the
deficient summer showers and the northeast monsoon rainfall during 2006 to 2010 had affected
the crops and drinking water availability, in the rain shadow region of the eastern part.

Meteorological Parameters

The climatic conditions in the mid lands, plateau regions and hill ranges of the district have wide
variations. Since all these regions do not have full-fledged climatic stations, the details at
Pampadumpara station (Plateau region) maintained by Kerala Agricultural University are
furnished below.

i) Temperature

The temperature is more during the months of March to May and is less during January and
February. The average monthly maximum temperature ranges from 25.1 to 31.50 C and
minimum temperature from 18.6 to 14.00 C.

ii) Relative Humidity

The relative humidity is more during the morning hours and is less during evening hours.
During morning hours it ranges from 85.0 to 98.45% and during evening hours it ranges from
40.8 to 87.3%.

iii) Evaporation

Evaporation is more during summer months of March to May. In general it ranges from 1.11 to
5.0 mm/day. During the south west monsoon it ranges from 1.11 to 2.13 mm/day.

iv) Sunshine Hours

Sunshine ranges from 1.8 to 9.5 hrs/day. Maximum sunshine is during the month of February.
The months of June to August record the minimum sunshine due to cloudy sky. Generally good
sunshine hours are recorded in the months of December to May.

v) Wind

The wind speed ranges from 3.90 to 7.95 km/hour. The wind speed is high during the months of
March to July and November to January.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES

A major part of the district falls in the hill ranges of Western Ghats except for Thodupuzha block
and western part of Elamdesam block which fall in the mid land region of the State. The average
elevation of the mid land region ranges from 40 – 60 m amsl. The mid land area is characterized
by rugged topography formed by small hillocks separated by deep valleys. The general slope of
the area is towards west. The hill ranges can be subdivided into foot hills, plateau region and
high ranges. The foot hill region is a narrow strip of land where midland region grades into the
plateau regions. The elevation of this region ranges from 80 to 500 m amsl and slope is very
steep, ranging from 30 to 50% and occasionally up to 80%. The width of the foot hill ranges
from 2 to 8 km. Plateau region is the most important physiographic unit of the district and is
characterized by moderately sloping large land mass with a slope of less than 30 % and an
elevation of less than 1500 m amsl. Major part of the district fall in this region. The region is
incised by a number of deep cut streams. The area in the north eastern part of the district is
characterized by high mountains with elevation more than 1500 m amsl. The highest peak in
South India, Anamudi (2693 m amsl) is in the north central part of the district. There are several
steep falls within the region.

There are four major soil types encountered in the district. They are forest loams, lateritic soils,
brown hydromorphic soils and alluvial soils. About 60 % of the district is covered under forest
loams which are the product of weathering of the rock under forest cover. They are
characterized by a surface layer very rich in organic matter. They are generally acidic, high in
nitrogen and poor in bases, due to heavy leaching. They are dark reddish brown to black with
loamy to silty loam texture. In denuded areas leaching and deposition of humus in the lower
layer is common. The lateritic soils are derived from laterites and are encountered mainly in
Elamdesam and Thodupuzha blocks of the district. They are well-drained and are low in plant
nutrients and organic matter. The fertility of the soil is generally poor with low available
nitrogen and phosphorous. Brown hydromorphic soils are confined to valley portions in
undulating terrain. These soils are formed as a result of transportation and sedimentation of
materials from adjoining hill slopes and are brownish black in colour. The surface texture varies
from sandy loam to clay. Alluvial soils are seen as narrow strips along the banks of rivers in the
district. They are more common along the banks of Thodupuzha River. The surface texture of
these soils range from sandy loam to clay and they are fertile.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

Idukki district is underlain entirely by rocks of Archaean age. The main rock types encountered
are charnockite, hornblende biotite gneiss and granite gneiss. Ground water occurs under water
table condition in laterites and weathered mantle of crystalline rocks and under semi confined to
confined conditions in the deeper fractured crystallines. Weathered and fractured crystallines
form aquifers in the entire district. Laterites occur in the gentle slopes and valleys in Thodupuzha
and western parts of Elamdesam blocks and as patches in Adimali, Nedumkandam and
Kattapana blocks. They also form aquifers of low to moderate potentials in parts of the district.
Alluvium, found in isolated discontinuous patches in the valleys and river banks do not
constitute important aquifers in the district.

4.1 Hydrogeology

The important hydrogeological units encountered in the district are laterites, weathered
crystallines and fractured crystallines.

Laterites constitute aquifers in the mid land regions of the district, mostly in Panchayats of
Kumaramangalam, Muttom, Edavetty, Mannarkkad, Kodikulam, Karimannoor etc. In the
plateau region, laterites are seen in the Panchayats of Adimali, Rajakkad, Nedumkandam,
Kattappana, Chakkupallam, Vandanmedu etc. Laterites are generally underlain by lithomargic
clay, the thickness of which varies from about 0.5 to 4.0 meters. The depth to water level in the
pre monsoon period is in the range of 1.4 to 9.5 m bgl. The depth to water level is shallower in
valley portions and gentle slopes and deeper along the ridges. The water table fluctuation ranges
from 0.5 to 4 m.

The weathered crystalline rock forms important aquifers throughout the district. The thickness
of weathering ranges from less than 2.0 to around 20 meters. In the steep slopes and high ranges,
where the weathered mantle is very thin or absent perennial phreatic aquifers are virtually non-
existent. The thickness of weathered zone is more in weathered granitic terrains especially in
parts of Devikulam, Adimali and Nedumkandam blocks. The depth to water level in the
weathered crystalline rocks ranges from 1.4 to 9.5 m bgl in pre-monsoon period and 0.6 to 7.4 m
bgl in post monsoon period. The water level is shallow in the valley areas. The fluctuation in
water table ranges from 0.5 to 3.8 m.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

The deeper fractured crystalline aquifers are under semi confined to confined conditions. They
are tapped through bore wells for domestic, agriculture as well as for water supply. Exploratory
bore wells have been constructed by CGWB at 20 locations in the district. The salient details of
the bore wells are shown in Annexure – 1. Potential fractures are encountered to depth varying
from 10 to 120 m bgl, but generally they are encountered within 75 m depth. The depth to water
level ranges from 4 to 40 m bgl in pre monsoon period and from 2 to 33 m bgl in post monsoon
period. The depth to water level in the Ground Water Monitoring Wells of CGWB during pre
and post monsoon periods are shown in Figure 2 & Figure 3 respectively and a generalized
hydrogeological map of Idukki district is shown in Figure 4.

Long term trend of pre and post monsoon water level of ground water monitoring wells between
2002 and 2011 have been analyzed. In the pre monsoon period, about 50% of the well shows
rising trend in water level in the range of 0.004 to 0.61 m/year. In the eastern part of the district
especially in the blocks of Kattapana and Nedumkandam there is a falling trend in water level in
the range of 0.0047 to 0.03 m/year. Many of the piezometers in the high range area also show
falling trend in water level. In the post monsoon period, about 70 % of the wells show falling
trend in water level in the range of 0.01 to 0.12 m/year. Maximum falling trend was observed in
the eastern part of the district. Majority of wells in the western part of the district show rising
trends in the range of 0.004 to 0.20m/year.

4.2 Ground water Resources

The assessment of dynamic ground water resources of the district was done block wise as per
GEC 1997 methodology based on the data as in March 2009. Block wise ground water resources
and categorization of ground water development of the blocks as on 31st March 2009 is furnished
below in Table 2 respectively and a map showing categorization of blocks is shown in Figure 5.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Table. 2: Dynamic Ground Water Resources of Idukki District, Kerala (As in March 2009)
Block Net annual Existing Existing Existing Allocation Net GW Stage of Categori
GW Gross Gross GW Gross GW for availability GW zation
Availability GW Draft for Draft for domestic for future develop-
Draft for domestic all uses and irrigation ment
irrigation and industrial develop-
industrial requireme ment %
supply nt supply
up to 2025

Adimali 4247.19 566.38 583.29 1149.68 643.89 3036.92 27.07 Safe

Devikulam 2463.18 160.02 625.43 785.46 691.61 1611.55 31.89 Safe

Thodupuzha 1817.53 422.90 568.22 991.12 626.81 767.82 54.53 Safe

Elamdesam 1713.02 371.50 626.37 997.88 691.61 649.90 58.25 Safe

Idukki 2293.11 242.75 650.73 893.48 719.35 1331.01 38.96 Safe

Nedumkandam 1502.51 357.49 695.79 1053.28 768.28 376.75 70.10 Semi

critical

Kattappana 1878.21 584.08 908.29 1492.37 1003.17 290.97 79.46 Semi

critical

Azutha 3739.87 168.60 766.09 934.68 840.61 2730.66 24.99 Safe

Total (ha m) 19654.62 2873.72 5424.21 8297.93 5985.33 10795.57 42.22

Total(MCM) 196.55 28.74 54.24 82.98 59.85 107.96 42.22

As per the categorization of blocks based on 2004 computations, Kattapana block was ‘Critical’,
Devikulam and Nedumkandam blocks were ‘Semi Critical’ and the remaining five blocks were
‘Safe’ category, whereas as per the 2009 computations Nedumkandam and Kattapana blocks
have been categorized as ‘Semi Critical’ and the remaining six blocks as ‘Safe’.

4.3 Ground Water Quality

The chemical quality of ground water is generally good in both phreatic as well as deeper
fractured aquifers. Majority of dug well samples from ground water observation wells have EC
less than 400µs/cm at 250C. Fluoride concentration is within the permissible limit in all the water
samples, the highest value being 0.65 ppm. Nitrate is within permissible limits in all samples
except on from Kattappana (> 100 ppm).

The water samples collected from the bore wells are potable in general. All the water samples
have EC less than 750µs/cm at 250C. Fluoride is also within the permissible limit in all the
wells, in the range of 0.1 to 0.98 ppm.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Hydrochemical data pertaining samples from 28 dug wells and 20 bore wells in the district are
presented in Annexures 2 & 3 respectively.

4.4 Status of Ground water development

The shallow phreatic aquifers in the laterites are developed through dug wells. The depth of dug
wells ranges from 2.3 to 10.0 m bgl. And their diameter ranges from 1.75 to 3.50 m. The yield
of dug wells ranges from 3 to 25 m3/day in winter, which reduces to 1 to 10 m3/day in summer.
Most of the dug wells located in the topographic highs and ridges dry up in summer.

In the weathered crystallines, the yields of dug wells range from 2 to 30 m3/ day in winter period
and from 1 to 10 m3/ day in summer period. Many of the wells on slopes and topographic highs
dry up in summer. The depths of dug wells range from 2.0 to 20.7 m bgl with diameters of 1.5 to
4.5 m. In the valleys and gentle slopes generally large diameter dug wells are constructed for
storage of water.

In the fractured crystallines, bore wells constructed to the depths ranging from 24 to more than
200 m bgl. CGWB has drilled bore wells down to 200 m under its ground water exploration
programme. The bore wells are comparatively shallower in the mid land areas (Thodupuzha and
Elamdesam blocks), with nearly 60 % of the bore wells within the depth of 70 m or less. The
bore wells are comparatively deeper in other blocks in the plateau and high range areas. In the
blocks of Nedumkandam and Kattappana, more than 70% of the bore wells are more than 70 m
deep. The thickness of overburden varies from less than a meter to more than 20m. In
Thodupuzha, Elamdesam and Azhutha blocks, the thickness of overburden is generally less with
more than 60% of the bore wells having overburden thickness less than 10 m. Thickness of
overburden is more than 10 m in 74% of the bore wells in the blocks of Adimali and
Nedumkandam and more than 60% of bore wells of Kattappana and Devikulam.

The yield of bore wells drilled by CGWB in the district ranges from less than 1 to about 13 lps.
About 50% of the bore wells have yields in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 lps. Only 10% bore wells in
the district have yields in excess of 3 lps.

In the recent years, due to fall in water level, the dug wells have been deepened in many parts of
the district and bore wells drilled in dug wells to increase the yield of the wells.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

The most common devices for lifting water are centrifugal pumps and jet pumps for dug wells
and submersible pumps and compressors for bore wells. Water is also being lifted by bucket and
rope from dug wells for domestic purposes. Water is also collected from the shallow wells
located on slopes and ridges through hose pipes by gravity.

The drinking water needs of the populace in the district are being catered to by Kerala Water
Authority and Grama Panchayats through supply of protected water. The major source of water
supply in the district is surface water followed by dug wells, springs and bore wells. Water
supply scheme with bore wells is less than 10% of the rural water supply schemes.

5.0 GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Ground water in the district is mostly developed through dug wells and bore wells for domestic
and irrigation purposes. Most of the households have their own wells to meet the domestic
requirements and population in the hill ranges depends mainly on springs. Recently in most of
the areas ground water is developed through bore wells for domestic and irrigation purposes.

In view of the characteristic geomorphic and geological settings of the area and the limited
availability of ground water resource, ground water development in the district needs to be
coupled with suitable interventions to ensure its sustainability. This will mainly involve
integrated use of surface and ground water resources and rainwater harvesting wherever feasible.
The existing water sources such as dug wells, ponds and tanks should be cleaned and protected.
Artificial recharge schemes should be implemented in feasible areas. The springs seen in many
parts of the district can be developed to cater to the needs of the local populace.

5.1 Ground Water Development

Since six out of eight blocks in the district is under safe category and the stage of ground water
development of the district is 48.16% there is a fair scope for further ground water development.
Ground water development is feasible by digging dug wells, dug-cum bore wells and drilling
deep bore wells. In the lateritic terrain dug wells are feasible in the valleys and gentle slopes
with the depth range of 3 to 9 m bgl with diameter of 2.0 to 3.5 m. In the weathered crystalline
formations dug wells are feasible with the depth range of 3.0 to 20.0 m bgl and diameter of 2.0 to
4.0 meters. Bore wells are feasible in the crystalline formations in favorable locations with depth
range of 50 to 100 m bgl. Generally the potential fractures are encountered within 100 m depth.
For proper site selection farmers may make use of the technical know-how of the CGWB, GWD

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

etc. There should be a mode for disseminating the technical knowledge through Panchayats.
Farmers may also take support of State Ground Water Department and reliable NGOs for
geophysical surveys for locating sites for bore wells.

5.2 Water conservation and Artificial recharge

In view of the low stage of ground water development in the district, CGWB has not
implemented any artificial recharge schemes in the district. However, it has provided technical
guidance to Panchayat authorities and NGOs for implementing artificial recharge schemes and
rain water harvesting in the district. Due to the peculiar geographic and hydrogeologic settings
of the district, the scope for artificial recharge in the district is rather limited. Further, artificial
recharge in highly weathered sloping areas may, in rare occasions, increase chances of
landslides, especially in the granitic terrains of Devikulam, Adimali and Nedumkandam blocks.
Artificial recharge schemes can be implemented along with the rain water harvesting in the plain
areas of the plateau regions of the district especially in the areas Valara to Kallarkutty, Pooppara
to Rajakkad, Nedunkandam to Ramakkalmedu, Vanadanmedu, Puttadi Anakkara,
Chakkupallam, Kumily etc. Subsurface dyke, gully plugging and bore well recharge with
recharge pits are feasible in the mid land areas (Thodupuzha and Elamdesam blocks). Contour
bunding is feasible in the Panchayats of Kanthalloor and Vatavada. Percolation tanks and
desiltation of ponds are feasible in the weathered plain areas of Kumily, Chakkapallam,
Vandanmedu and Karunapuram Panchayats and in the mid land areas. Rain water collection in
Ferro cement tanks, storage tanks and in polythene sheets are already being practiced in the
eastern part of the district. Considerable quantity of rain water can be collected in the numerous
abandoned rock quarries in the district. The artificial recharge schemes recommended in
different blocks of the district are presented in Figure 6.

6.0 GROUND WATER RELATED ISSUES AND PROBLEMS

Scarcity of water is quite frequent in the hilly areas of the district during summers due to the
drying up of dug wells and springs. The northeastern part of the district is a rain shadow area,
where water scarcity conditions occur frequently. There is a long-term decline in water level in
the eastern part of the district especially in the blocks of Kattappana and Nedumkandam.

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

7.0 AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY

Two Water Management Training Programmes (at Thodupuzha) and one Mass Awareness
programme (Kattapana) have been conducted in the district by CGWB. About 200 participants
attended the Mass awareness programme. Various aspects related to ground water management
were dealt with in the training programmes.

8.0 AREA NOTIFIED BY CGWA/SGWA

No area/block is notified in the district by the State Ground Water Authority.

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

 The stage of ground water development in the district as in 2009 was 48.16%, leaving
scope for future development of ground water. Of the eight blocks, six blocks have been
categorized as ‘Safe’ and two blocks as “Semi-Critical’.
 Ground water development is comparatively high in the eastern part of the district, viz.
Kattappana and Nedumkandam blocks as well as in the rain shadow region of Marayoor
and Kanthaloor Panchayats. In view of the limited resources available, ground water
development from these areas should be coupled with measures for conserving and
augmenting the resource.
 The data collected during the exploratory drilling program has indicated the presence of
productive fractures mostly within 100 m. depth. Drilling of bore wells beyond this depth
may not be economical.
 In view of the long-term sustainability of ground water, integrated use of surface and
ground water resources should be practiced wherever feasible. Government should
encourage comprehensive development of watersheds to augment & protect water and
other natural resources.
 There is considerable scope for development of springs in the hilly areas of the district,
which can cater to the requirements of isolated habitations including tribal habitations in
such areas.
 Artificial recharge/ rainwater harvesting needs to be implemented wherever feasible to
augment ground water resources in the district.

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Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Figure 1: Index map of Idukki District, Kerala

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Figure 2: Depth to Decadal Average Water Level (Pre-monsoon April 2002-11)

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Figure 3: Depth to Decadal Average Water Level (Post-monsoon (Nov-2002-2011)

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Figure 4 : Hydrogeology of Idukki District, Kerala State

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Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Figure 5: Categorisation of Blocks in Idukki District

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Figure 6: Artificial Recharge Structures proposed in Idukki District

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Annexure – I Salient Details of Exploratory Bore Wells Constructed by CGWB in Idukki District
Sl. Location Year of Depth Depth Fracture zones, mbgl Discharge SWL, Rock type
NO constructi drilled of (lpm) mbgl
on (m) casing during
(m.bgl) drilling
16.7-17.7, 23.9-24.9, Hornblende
1 Muttam 2003-04 37.10 6.20 840 2.4
32.33-35.37 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
2 Padikodikulam 2003-04 110.50 1.45 72 6.5
45.5-46.5 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
3 Arikuzha 2003-04 110.35 10.30 180 4.5
17.0-18.0, 22.0-23.0 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
4 Vandanmedu 2003-04 119.60 27.00 12 31.5
55.5-56.0, 96.0-97.0 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
5 Kumili 2003-04 119.50 14.20 15 27.9
100.0-101.0 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
6 Vallakadavu 2003-04 119.60 13.55 30 7
24.0-25.0, 64.0-65.0 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
7 Pachakanam 2003-04 119.60 13.50 6 12.5
55.0-56.0 Biotite Gneiss
Charnockite &
8 Vandiperiyar 2003-04 119.50 4.70 7.65-8.65, 55.45-56.45, 6 5.03 Hornblende
67.65-68.65 Biotite Gneiss
Hornblende
9 Upputhara 2003-04 72.00 6.00 180 4.3
Biotite Gneiss
12.0-13.0, 16.0-17.0, Hornblende
10 Thankamani 2003-04 34.50 10.60 420 2.7
19.0-20.0, 34.0-34.5 Biotite Gneiss
15.5 - 20.5, 28.00 -31.00
11 Adimali 2004-05 108.80 17.00 98.50 - 108.80
720 0.11 Granite gneiss

60.00 - 64.00 105.00 - 110.00 142.00 Hornblende

12 Udumbanchola 2004-05 202.00 5.50 12 55.1
- 146.00 Biotite Gneiss

13 Nedunkandam 2004-05 207.25 7.10 54.00 - 62.00 150.00 - 152.00 150 23.47 Charnockite
161.00 - 165.00 176.00 - 181.00
38.00 - 41.00 Hornblende
14 Thukkupalam 2004-05 77.70 2.65 57.00 - 62.00 840 12.4
biotite gneiss
75.00 - 77.70
59.00 - 62.00 Charnockite
15 Kumily 2004-05 228.00 9.00 123.00 - 124.00 264 3.9
gneiss
161.00 - 166.00 207.00 - 215.00

16 Vandi periyar 2004-05 155.50 7.00 32.00 - 35.00 372 3.68 Charnockite
62.00 - 72.50 98.40 - 103.60
120.00 - 124.00
Granite
17 Aladi 2004-05 119.00 8.00 18.00 - 20.00 480 26.2 Hornblende
52.00 - 57.00 101.00 - 118.00 biotite gneiss
34.00 - 36.00 65.00 - 69.00 Hornblende
18 Erattayar 2004-05 150.30 11.50 300 35.2
110.00 - 118.00 Biotite gneiss

38.40 - 41.40 48.80 - 51.80 Garnet biotite

19 Moolamattom 2004-05 114.00 17.50 720 11.58
57.00 - 68.00 85.00 - 90.00 gneiss
110.00 - 114.00

38.00 - 42.00 Hornblende

20 Vannapuram 2004-05 233.20 17.70 75.00 - 78.00 124.00 - 128.00 60 26.7
biotite gneiss
150.00 - 154.00 20.20 - 21.00
220.00 - 228.00

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Annexure – 2: Hydrochemical Data of Select Dug Wells in Idukki District, Kerala

No Location pH EC, TH Ca Mg Na K CO3 HCO3 SO4 Cl F NO3

μs/cm as
at CaCO3
250 C mg / L
1) Chinikuzhi
10.19 119 22 8 0.49 8.7 1.3 - - 3.4 16 0 1.4
2) Churuli 9.4 138 24 9.6 0 7.3 1.6 14 20 1.5 13 0 12
3) Elapara 9.53 156 28 10 0.49 14 5.6 7.2 2.4 6.5 20 0 9.9
4) Idukki 8.25 80 16 4.8 0.97 7.9 1.6 0 24 0.7 7.1 0.15 3
5) Kaliyar 8.08 186 30 10 0.97 17 6.9 0 17 4.4 27 0 13
6) Karimkunnam 9.29 276 48 18 0.97 16 8.9 9.6 17 8.3 33 0 32
7) Karumannor 9.69 119 26 7.2 1.9 16 1.1 - - 2.2 17 0 3.2
8) Kattapana 5.55 793 135 30 15 66 16 0 4.9 1.6 122 0 149
9) Koilkadavu - 232 44 11 3.9 - - - - - 31 0 1.9
10) Kulamavu 7.93 163 28 5.6 3.4 16 2.4 0 9.8 0.4 21 0 24
11) Kumili 8.65 372 82 14 11 24 2.6 24 110 3.9 65 0.64 1.5
12) Kuttikanam 7.68 52 12 4 0.49 3.5 2.2 2.4 12 0.24 4.3 0.29 4.5
13) Moolamattom 10.86 144 36 11 1.9 9.1 1 9.6 12 2.7 20 0.12 16
14) Munnar 7.39 81 18 4.8 1.5 5.2 2.4 0 17 0.3 9.9 0.16 13
15) Nedumkandam 7.85 371 90 27 5.4 24 4.5 - - 30 47 0.28 3.5
16) Nirmala city 8.2 67 10 4 0 7.8 2.1 0 32 2.3 9.9 0.4 0.7
17) Peruvanthanam 7.57 55 12 4 0.49 3.6 4.2 17 22 7.7 7.1 0.2 0.43
18) Poopara 10.72 497 94 30 4.4 44 7.4 6 6.1 11 84 0.2 83
19) Thumbachi - 90 28 10 0.49 - - -- - - 5.7 0.61 7.6
20) Udumbanchola 8.18 245 40 16 0 24 7.4 0 22 5.7 37 0.15 42
21) Valara 8.14 78 16 6.4 0 2.8 0.9 0 20 0.48 8.5 0.36 6.1
22) Vallakadavu - 115 24 7.2 1.5 - - - - - 8.5 0.12 1.5
23) Vazhitala 8.78 58 16 4.8 0.97 4.2 1.1 4.8 12 1.9 7.1 0.03 0.79
24) Vellathuval - 62 10 4 0 - - - - - 4.3 0.36 0.51
25) Vellilamkandam 7.67 51 12 3.2 0.97 4.3 1.7 0 20 2.3 8.5 0.2 0.58
26) Marykulam - 74 20 6.4 0.97 - - - - - 7.1 0.35 8.3
27) Kandiyoor - 403 118 39 4.9 - - - - - 23 0.52 1.4
28) Anakkara - 93 30 12 0 - - - - - 4.3 0.31 1.00

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 Ground Water Information Booklet of Idukki District, Kerala

Annexure – 3: Hydrochmical Data of Select Bore Wells in Idukki District, Kerala

No Location pH EC, μs/cm at TH Ca Mg Na K CO3 HCO3 SO4 Cl F NO3
250 C as CaCO3

mg / L
1 Muttam
7.6 269 110 27 10 9.2 1.9 0 154 4.2 7.1 0.35 1
2 Padi
8.14 323 126 32 11 13 4.2 0 188 0.9 2.8 0.24 0.2
3 Arikuzha
8.6 269 118 24 14 9 2.3 4.8 149 3.3 7.1 0.1 2.4
4 Kumily
8.24 388 154 38 14 21 1.9 4.8 246 2.2 5.7 0.3 1
5 Vandanmedu
7.7 221 76 16 8.8 12 3.5 0 122 4 4.3 1.17 1.2
6 Pachakanam
8.85 576 - - - - - - - - - - -
7 Vallakadavu
8.04 683 75 20 6.1 114 1.3 0 189 160 11 0.54 0
8 Vandiperiyar
7.87 369 152 33 17 13 2.6 0 210 2.2 13 0.25 0.2
9 Upputhara
7.91 388 142 32 15 29 1.7 0 178 54 5.7 0.22 0.7
10 Thankamani
8.22 234 90 18 11 7.9 3.7 0.01 102 3.8 23 0.22 2.3
11 Kumily
6.8 505 89 24 6.8 72 3.5 0 233 10 39 0.31 0
12 Nedumkandam
7.5 875 12 3.2 1 147 0 0 251 90 24.8 0.98 0
13 Erattayar
7 615 182 48.8 14.5 54 3 0 154 14 78 0.39 27
14 Moolamattom
7.4 270 112 28.8 9.8 9.9 0.6 0 161 3.5 10.6 0.29 0
15 Aladi
7.5 290 112 28.0 9.8 15 0.4 0 167 1.4 14.2 0.58 0
16 Vandiperiyar
7.5 260 102 24.8 9.8 9.4 0.4 0 127 10.2 21.3 0.44 0
17 Thukkupalam
7.8 440 175 37.6 20 19.5 0.4 0 255 11 24.8 0.16 0
18 Adimali
7.8 285 127 36 9.2 7.5 0 0 153 2.2 10.6 0.53 0
19 Vannapuram
8.2 325 118 29.6 10.7 15 1.8 0 165 4.8 10.6 0.37 2.1
20 Udumbanchola
8.1 295 138 28 16.5 9.7 1.7 0 165 5.2 21.3 0.49 0

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