Foreword

Groundwater is an essential component of the environment and economy. It sustains the flow
in our rivers and plays an important role in maintaining the fragile ecosystems. The
groundwater dependence of agrarian states like Karnataka is high. Recent studies indicate
that 26 percent of the area of Karnataka State is under over exploited category and number of
blocks is under critical category. In view of the growing concerns of sustainability of ground
water sources, immediate attention is required to augment groundwater resources in stressed
areas. Irrigated agriculture in the state is putting additional stress on the groundwater system
and needs proper management of the resources.

Central Ground Water Board is providing all technical input for effective management of
ground water resources in the state. The groundwater scenario compiled on administrative
divisions gives a better perspective for planning various ground water management measures
by local administrative bodies. With this objective, Central Ground Water Board is
publishing the revised groundwater information booklet for all the districts of the state.

I do appreciate the efforts of Dr. K.Md.Najeeb, Regional Director and his fleet of dedicated
Scientists of South Western Region, Bangalore for bringing out this booklet. I am sure these
brochures will provide a portrait of the groundwater resources in each district for planning
effective management measures by the administrators, planners and the stake holders.

Dr. S. C. Dhiman
 PREFACE

Ground water contributes to about eighty percent of the drinking water

requirements in the rural areas, fifty percent of the urban water requirements and
more than fifty percent of the irrigation requirements of the nation. Central Ground
Water Board has decided to bring out district level ground water information booklets
highlighting the ground water scenario, its resource potential, quality aspects,
recharge – discharge relationship, etc., for all the districts of the country. As part of
this, Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region, Bangalore, is preparing
such booklets for all the 30 districts of Karnataka state, of which six of the districts
fall under farmers’ distress category.

The Kolar District Ground Water Information Booklet has been prepared
based on the information available and data collected from various state and central
government organisations by several hydro-scientists of Central Ground Water
Board with utmost care and dedication. This booklet has been prepared by Shri
S.S.Hegde, Scientist-C, Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region,
Bangalore. The figures were prepared by Sri. J. Sivaramakrishnan, Assistant
Hydrogeologist. The rainfall data provided by Shri H.P.Jayaprakash Scientist-C. The
efforts of Report processing section in finalising and bringing out the report in this
format are commendable.

I take this opportunity to congratulate them for the diligent and careful
compilation and observation in the form of this booklet, which will certainly serve as a
guiding document for further work and help the planners, administrators,
hydrogeologists and engineers to plan the water resources management in a better
way in the district.

sd/-

(Dr. K.Md.Najeeb)
Regional Director
 CHAMARAJANAGAR DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Sl.No. Items Statistics

1 General Information
i) Geographical area (sq. km) 5,101
ii) Administrative Divisions 1
Number of Taluks 4 (Chamarajanagar Nagar, Kollegal,
Gundlupet & Yalandur)
No. of Panchayat /Inhabited Villages : 120/424
iii) Population (As on 2011 Census) 1020962
iv) Annual normal rain fall (2001-2010) 737 mm
2 Geomorphology
Major Physiographic Units i). Southern maidan region, plain to
undulating, mountainous.
ii). The southern and eastern ghat
ranges converging into group of hills.
The principal hill ranges are B.R. hills,
lofty mountains runs north south
direction about 16 kms. MM hills with
77 hill ranges, and Gopalaswamy hill
ranges etc.,
The highest peak of the district is in
B.R.hills with1687m amsl. The average
altitude of the district is 658.58m amsl.
Major Drainages Drained by Cauvery river, which runs
along the border of the Kollegal taluk in
the district. Suvarnavathy and
Chikkahole drain the rest of the area,
which are the tributaries of the
Cauvery.
3 Land use (ha)(2008-09)
Forest area 275610
Net area sown 1,91,338
4 Major soil types i).Reddish brown forest soil
ii).Yellowish grey to greyish sandy loam
soils and
iii). Mixed soils.
5 Area under principal crops Crop Area
(2008-2009) in ha Paddy 19294
Ragi 20277
Jowar 17922
Bajra 479
Maize 41431
Others 38
Total cereals 99441
Gram 3501
Tur 2349
 Total Pulses 5850
G. nut 16448
Sun flower 16866
Others 00
Total oil seeds 33314
Sugar cane 10931
Tobacco 161
Cotton 443
Teak 52
Horticulture crops & 55892
others
6 Irrigation by different sources (ACSR Number Area (ha)
2008-09)
Dug wells 3158 6562
Bore wells 23349 38500
Tanks/ Ponds 155 9112
Canals 8 12940
Lift 6 500
Other Sources - 16
Net Irrigated Area (ha) 67630
7 Number of ground water monitoring
stations of CGWB (as on 31-03-2012)
Number Dug wells 30
Number of Piezometers 5
8 Predominant geological formations Granite, gneiss and charnockite.
Recent alluvium of limited extent along
the river courses.
9 Hydrogeology
Major Water Bearing Formations -
Phreatic aquifer in alluvium along the stream courses and weathered zones of
granite, gneiss, charnockite and occur between the depths of 2 to 20 m bgl.
Fractured aquifers at deeper levels below weathered zone occur in granite, gneiss
and charnockite ,occur between the depths of 20 to – 165m bgl.
1.2 – 17.21 m bgl (general range 1 – 8
Pre-monsoon Water Levels during 2011
m bgl)

0.2– 17.30 m bgl (general range 1 – 6 m

Post-monsoon Water Levels during 2011
bgl)

Long term water level NHS Thirteen National Hydrograph Stations

trends (DUG (NHS) water levels have shown rising
(2001-2010) in m/year: WELLS) trend in the range of .029 to 0.4 m/year,
while at eight NH Stations water levels
have recorded falling trend in the range
of 0.003 to 0.588 m/year.
 NHS At four National Hydrograph Stations
(Pizometers) (Pizometers) water levels have shown
rising trend in the range of 0.124 to
0.649 m/year, at one pizometer water
level have shown falling trend with
1.038 m/year.
10 Ground water exploration by C.G.W.B. (as on 31-03-2012)
No of wells drilled EW: 26, OW: 9, PZ: 5
Depth range 77 – 201 m bgl
Discharge < 1 – 18 litres / second
Transmissivity 07 – 228 m2 / day
11. Ground water quality
Presence of chemical constituent more Chemical quality of Ground water is
than the permissible limit suitable for all purposes in major parts
of the district with low sodium type of
ground water except in few pockets
where Nitrate concentration is high
(parts of C.R.nagar & Yalandur taluks)
and F is high in eastern parts of Kollegal
taluk.
Type of water Low sodium type
12. Dynamic Ground Water Resources (ham) (March 2004)
Net Annual Ground Water Availability 34187 ham
Existing gross Ground Water Draft for all 24558 ham
use
Projected demand for Domestic and 2926 ham
Industrial uses up to 2025
Stage of Ground Water development as 72 : ( 61%in Chamarajanagar, 46 %in
on March 2009 (%)- District average Kollegal taluk, 69 % in Yelandur and
134 % in Gundlupet taluk).
13. Awareness and Training Activity
Mass Awareness Programmes 1 at Kollegal
Organised
Water Management Training 1 at Chamarajanagar
Programmes organised:
14. Efforts of artificial recharge & rain water harvesting
Projects completed by CGWB Nil
(No and amount spent)
Projects under technical guidance of Nil
C.G.W.B (numbers)
15. Ground water control and regulation
Number of OE Blocks Nil
Number of Critical blocks Nil
Number of blocks notified Nil
16. Major ground water problems and Groundwater source depletion, quality
issues deterioration due to pollution and water
logging coupled with soil salinity are the
major issues in the district.
Groundwater development has reached
nearly 72 % in the district. About 70%
of the district area is under safe
category, 23% under over-exploited
and 7% under semi-critical category.
Excess geogenic fluoride problem is
observed in parts of Kollegal and few
other isolated places. Higher nitrate
problem due to agricultural activity is
prevalent in canal command areas of
Yalandur and Kollegal taluks. Water
logging and soil salinity due to rise in
groundwater level is a threat in canal
command areas.
 CHAMARAJANAGAR DISTRICT

1.0 Introduction
1.1 General
Chamarajanagar district is one of the 7 new districts formed during 1997 which is located in
the extreme south end of Karnataka state. Being in the southern border, it links the State
with Tamil Nadu and Kerala States. The district consists of 4 taluks,16 hoblies, 424
inhabited villages and 85 uninhabited villages.The four taluks of the district are
Chamarajanagar, Gundlupet, Kollegala and Yelandur. The Chamarajanagar town is the
district head quarters. The district is famous for sandalwood and other forest products. The
district falls in Cauvery basin but, there are no perennial rivers draining the district.
However, the river Cauvery flows along the boundary of Kollegala taluk. The district is
mainly drained by Suvarnavathy and Chikkahole, which are the tributaries of Cauvery and
are ephemeral in nature. There are no mineral based industries in the district. The district is
industrially backward and is supported by agrarian economy. Quarrying of hard rocks is a
major activity which are used for civil construction work, production of decorative polished
slabs and as road material. The existence of rich forest helps the economy in various ways
as it provides raw materials for industries like paper, rayon, saw mills, safety matches and
sandalwood. Bandipura National Park having a large population of spotted deers and
elephants is located in the district.

The total population in the district is around 10,20,962 (as per 2011 census), out of which
513359 are male and 507603 are female. Thus, the sex ratio in the district is 989 females
for every 1000 males. The average literacy rate is 51%(2001 census). The district has a
rich forest wealth. About 48% of the district area is under forest cover. The rural population
constitutes about 85% and is mainly dependent on agriculture. The agriculture in the district
heavily depends on monsoon. The Net sown area is 34% of the district out of which in 20%
area crop is raised more than once. Irrigation facility is available only in 35% of the Net
sown area which constitutes 12% of the district area. Among the different sources of
irrigation like canals, tanks, wells and bore wells etc, irrigation by canals contributes 19%,
tanks 13 % and wells and bore wells contribute 68%. This indicates that in irrigated
agriculture the groundwater contribution is considerably high (68%) and the remaining is
met by surface water. Krishnarajasagar Irrigation project is serving mainly in Yalandur and
parts of Kollegal taluks. In other areas surface water irrigation is provided through minor
irrigation tanks.
1.2 Location
The geographical area of Chamarajanagar district is 5,101 km2.. The district is located in
the southern extreme of Karnataka State and lies between the North latitude 11O 40’ 58’’
and 12O 06’ 32’’ and East longitude 76O 24’ 14’’ and 77O 46’ 55’’ and falls in the southern
dry agro-climatic zone. Topography is undulating and mountainous with north - south
trending hill ranges of Western ghats. The district is elongated in east – west direction.
Mandya, Bangalore and parts of district are in the north, Wynad district of Kerala and parts
of Mysore district are in the west, Salem and Nilgiri districts of Tamil Nadu are in the south
and Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu is in the east.

1.3 Administrative set up

The district comprises four taluks namely Chamarajanagar, Gundlupet, Kollegal and
Yalandur. Among the four taluks, Kollegal taluk is the largest having an area of 2789 sq.
kms and Yalandur taluk is the smallest with an area of 266.34 sq.kms. Chamarajanagar
town is the district headquarters and the district has one revenue sub-division. 16 hoblies,
424 inhabited villages and 85 uninhabited villages. The administrative set-up of the district
is shown in Fig.1.

1.4 Communication
The district is well connected by highways and other main roads. The Bangalore – Nilgiris,
Mysore-Mananthavadi National highways pass through the district in Gundlupet taluk. A
fairly good network of roads exists connecting taluk headquarters with hoblis to various
taluk headquarters. Total length 150 kms. of National Highway, 336.0 kms of State
Highway and, 867.0 kms of other major district roads, 2612 kms length of village roads and
other roads serve as road communication in the district. The Chamarajanagar is connected
by Mysore-Chamarajanagar meter gauge railway line with a length of 18 kms.

1.5 Drainage
The district is in Cauvery river basin. There are no perennial rivers in the district, however,
Cauvery, the perennial river flows along the border of Kollegal taluk of the district. The
district is mainly drained by the tributaries of Cauvery like Suvarnavathy and Chikkahole
and their tributary systems. Suvarnavathy rises near Gajjalahalli, southeastern portion of
Chamarajanagar and flows in the depression along the center of the taluk in a north-south
direction and flowing through Yalandur taluk it joins the river Cauvery at Hampapura in
Kollegal taluk. It has a catchment area of 1787 sq.km with total length of 88 kms in the
district. The stream is ephemeral in nature and effluent upto Umbale village and influent to
the rest of it’s course. A dam has been constructed across Suvarnavathy at Atgulipura in
Chamarajanagar taluk. The Chikkahole is a tributary of Suvarnavathy, which rises at
Hasanur ghat range to the south of Chamarajanagar and flows in northerly direction. A
dam is constructed across this tributary about 12 kms away from Chamarajanagar.
Besides these, Gundal, Thattaihalla, Uduthore halla and Palar are the tributaries of Cauvery
river which drain parts of Kollegala taluk. The area is characterized by sub-dendritic to sub-
parallel drainage pattern. The drainage density varies from 0.25 to 3.58 km/km2. The
density decreases towards Suvarnavathy river. The drainage map of the district is
presented in fig.2.

1.6 Crops and Irrigation Practices

The district falls in southern dry agro-climatic zone. Various agricultural and horticultural
crops are grown in the district. Among the agricultural crops cereals (paddy,ragi, jowar and
maize), pulses (gram, tur), oil seeds (groundnut, sunflower), cash crop (sugarcane) and
non-food crops (cotton and tobacco) and vegetables are important. Mango, banana and
mulberry are important horticultural crops. Sericulture is a traditional activity in the district.
As per the Agricultural census 2005-06 data, The net sown area is 191838 hect which
constitutes 34% of the geographical area of the district. In this, the marginal (< 1 hect) and
the small (1-2 hect) land holdings comprise 59% and the semi-medium(2-4 hect) and the
medium (4-10 hect) land holdings comprise 38%. Irrigation facility is available in 35% of
the Net sown area which constitutes 12% of the district area. Among the different sources
of irrigation like canals, tanks, wells and bore wells etc, irrigation by canals covers 19%,
tanks 13% and wells and bore wells contribute 68%. Thus, in irrigated agriculture, the
groundwater contribution is considerably high (68%) compared to the surface water surface
water (32%). As per the census records(Fourth census od MI schemes 2006-07), the
district has 22307 minor irrigation structures, of which 3158 are dugwells, 22849 tube wells,
166 surface water flow schemes and 6 lift irrigation schemes.

1.7 Activities carried out by CGWB

Central Ground Water Board has carried out Systematic Hydrogeological surveys,
Reappraisal Hydrogeological surveys and Groundwater Exploration in the district
The hydrogeological investigations and groundwater exploration have revealed the
existence of potential zones down to the depth of 200 m. First phase of groundwater
exploration down to adepth of 90 m in the district (except Kollegal) was carried out
during 1990’s and second phase down to a depth of 200m has been going on since
2008. Total 5 number of purpose built piezometers are constructed under Hydrology
Project programme for groundwater water level monitoring in which automatic water
level indicators are installed. Besides, Central Ground Water Board maintains a
good network of observation dug wells (NHS) in the district, which are monitored
periodically to keep a close vigil on groundwater water level and water quality.

2.0 Climate and Rainfall

The climate of Chamarajanagar district is quite moderate through out the year with a
fairly hot summer and cold winter. March to May are the summer months. The mean
maximum temperature is 34°C and the mean minimum temperature is 16.4°C.
Relative humidity ranges from 69 to 85% in the morning and from 21% to 70% in the
evening. The wind speed ranges from 8.4 to 14.1 kmph. The potential evapo-
transpiration in the district ranges from 106 mm to 165 mm/year.

The average annual rainfall of the district (2001-2010, DES, Govt of Karnataka) is
737mm (Table. 1). The highest rainfall is received in Gundlupet taluk (802 mm)
followed by Yalandur (737 mm), Kollegal (712mm) and Chamarajanagar (696mm)
taluks. Except Gundlupet taluk, in others the amount of rainfall is more or less
similar. About 37% of the annual rainfall is received during the SW monsoon (June –
September), 36% during post-monsoon or NE monsoon (October – December) and
the remaining 27% during the pre-monsoon (January- May) period. The analysis of
rainfall for the above period indicates that though the SW monsoon is more
predominant, substantial rainfall is received during the post-monsoon or NE
monsoon period. The average annual rainy days are 54 (District at a Glance 2008-
09).Thus, it can be seen that a fairly uniform distribution rainfall during different
seasons and good number of rainy days will help the rain fed agriculture in the
district.
 Table 1. Normal rainfall of Chamarajanagar district, (2001-2010)
*Rain fall in mm **Av.
Sl.No. Station Pre- SW Post- Total Annual
monsoon monsoon monsoon rainy days
1 Chamarajanagar 178 275 243 656 59
2 Gundlupet 236 253 313 802 55
3 Kollegal 175 294 243 712 46
4 Yelandur 202 273 262 737 54
Av. 198 274 265 737 54
Source: * Department of Statistics & Economics, Govt of Karnataka
** District at Glance, Chamarajanagar, 2008-09, Govt of Karnataka

3.0 Geomorphology and Soil Types

Physiographically the district may be classified as partly maidan, general table land
with plain and undulating and mountainous region. The southern and eastern hill
ranges in the district converge into group of hills. The landmass of the area forms an
undulating table land and the lofty mountain ranges are covered with dense forest.
Master slope runs from south to north towards the river Cauvery. Normally the
slopes are covered by debris and colluvium filled channels. The general elevation is
656 m amsl. The eastern and southern portions of Kollegal taluk form continuous
lofty hills such as Malaimahadeshwar Hills (M.M. Hills) with an elevation of 976m
amsl and many other hill ranges such as Anemale, Kadumale, Jenumale, etc.
Dodda sampige is another hill range which runs north to south for 6 kms in Kollegal
taluk. Biligirirangana betta in Yalandur taluk, Gopalaswamy hills in Gundlupet also
form the hill ranges in the district. The Shivanasamudra island and Edacura village
towards north of Kollegal taluk form important features formed due to meandering
and confluence of Cauvery river. The soils of the district are derived from Granitic
gneisses and Charnockite rock formations. Red soil is present in upland areas and
at the contact of granites and schist. These soils are admixture of sand and silt.
Organic matters in these soils are low and respond well for irrigation, manuring and
other management practices. The thickness of the soil varies from less than a meter
to 6.5 m. Black soils are clayey and black in colour, mostly of transported origin,
occurring along depressions where regular irrigation practices are in practice. It has
a high moisture holding capacity. Mixed type of soils are localised at places along
the contact of schist and other intrusions. These are derived either from gneisses or
schist. These are medium to fine grained and moderately permeable. The thickness
varies from 1m to 16.5m.
4.0 Ground water scenario
4.1 Geology
The Chamarajanagar district is a hard rock terrain comprising peninsular gneiss,
charnockites and limited extent of alluvium restricted mainly to sides of river
courses. Among these, charnockite is the wide spread formation in the district
covering parts Chamarajanagar, Kollegal and Yalandur taluks. Gneissic formation
is found in Gundlupet taluk, parts of Chamarajanagar and Yalandur taluks. Alluvium
of limited aerial extent and thickness is occurring along the major tributaries of
Cauvery river like Suvarnavathy and Chikkahole. The valley fill area extends to very
limited stretch with an average thickness of 6 to 18.00 m.
4.1.1 Hydrogeology
The principal crystalline rocks as stated above have no primary porosity. Hence, the
water bearing and yielding properties are primarily due to the development of
secondary porosities like weathering, joints, fractures and fissures. The thickness of
weathered zone generally from to 5.00 m to 35.0m. Groundwater occurs under
phreatic (unconfined/water table) condition in weathered zone and alluvium. The
alluvium forms a good shallow aquifer system along the river courses. Best example
is near Sathegala in Kollegal taluk where number of filter points exists. Groundwater
occurs under semi-confined to confined conditions in fractured crystalline gneisses
and charnockites. Groundwater exploration has proved the existence of potential
fractured aquifers below weathered zone at various depths down to 165 mbgl. The
principal source of recharge is rainfall. In canal command areas like parts of
Yalandur and Kollegal taluks seepage from canal and percolation from applied
irrigation water forms additional source of recharge. The hydrogeological details of
the area are presented in the figure-3

4.1.2 Depth to water level

There are sixteen National Hydrograph Stations (NHS – dug wells and shallow bore
wells) in Chamarajanagar district which are regularly monitored for knowing
periodical changes in ground water level and the quality of water. The depth to
water levels ranges from 0.38 mbgl to 17.21 mbgl during pre-monsoon period (May-
2011) and from 0.20 mbgl to 17.30m bgl during the post-monsoon period
(November 2011). But, generally the depth to water level ranges between 2 m bgl
and 10.0m bgl and shallow water levels of less than 2m bgl are observed in canal
irrigation area of Yalandur and Kollegal taluks. The pre-monsoon and post-monsoon
depth to water levels are depicted in figure - 4 and figure - 5 respectively.

4.1.3 Seasonal water level fluctuation

In response to recharge from rainfall and other sources like canal seepage and
applied irrigation, there will be a rise in water level during SW monsoon (June –
September) as compared to the pre-monsoon period.During post monsoon period
recharge reduces and groundwater level reduces due to withdrawal for different
uses. Thus, the difference in water levels between pre-monsoon (May) and the post-
monsoon(November) is termed as annual fluctuation. The seasonal water level
fluctuation for the year 2011 (Water level difference between May 2011 and Nov
2011) is available for 16 National Hydrograph network Stations. More than 80% of
the wells in the district have shown a rise in ranging from 0.54m to 6.75m. The
remaining wells have recorded a fall in the range of 0.10m to 0.53m.

4.1.4 Long-term water level trend

The long term (decadal) water level trend of the pre-monsoon (May 2001-May 2010)
as well as post-monsoon have been analyzed for 23 NH Stations for the period from
2001 to 2010. During the pre-monsoon, the decadal trend reveals that 13 stations
have shown rising trend in the range of 0.029 m/year to 0.40 m/yr and the remaining
4 stations have recorded a fall in the range of 0.02 m/year and 0.04 m/year (fig.6 ).
Except the eastern part of Kollegal taluk, there is a rise in water level in the district
during the pre-monsoon period. During the post-monsoon period, the decadal trend
reveals that 10 stations have shown rising trend in the range of 0.027 m/year to 0.61
m/yr and the remaining 9 stations have recorded a fall in the range of 0.1 m/year and
0.284 m/year(fig. 7). Except the western part of Gundlupet taluk, there is declining
trend in the decadal ground water level in the district during the post-monsoon
period.

4.1.5 Aquifer systems encountered in the area

The study of aquifer geometry and parameters have been attempted by Central
Ground Water Board, South Western Region, Bangalore, under its ground water
exploration programme through drilling exploratory bore wells at selected places.
First phase of groundwater exploration down to a depth of 90 m in the district (except
Fig: 4
Fig.5
Fig.6
Fig.7
 Kollegal) was carried out during 1990’s and second phase down to a depth of 200m
has been going on since 2008. In the second phase, so far 26 exploratory wells and
09 observation wells have been drilled in the district. The thickness of weathered
zone ranges from 12 to 35m. In this zone groundwater occurs under unconfined
condition tapped mainly through dug wells. Potential fractured aquifers are
encountered between 18 m and 165m bgl where groundwater occurs under semi-
confined to confined conditions. These fractured aquifers are tapped through bore
wells. Discharge ranges from <1.0 to 6 lps. Pumping tests on these wells show that
transmissivity of aquifer in general ranges from 3 to 622 m2/day. Locations of
exploratory wells are given in figure – 8.

4.2 Ground water resources

Dynamic Ground Water Resource of Chamarajanagar district is estimated taluk wise
as on 31st March 2009. The Net annual ground water availability in the district is
34187 ham and the Gross ground water draft for all uses is 24558 ham. The
Ground water availability for future irrigation development is 12740 ham. The
average Stage of Groundwater Development of the district is 72%. Taluk wise data
viz. net ground water availability, existing ground water draft for irrigation, existing
gross groundwater draft for domestic and industrial water supply, allocation for
domestic and industrial use for next 25 years, net ground water availability for future
irrigation development, categorisation etc, are shown in the table – 2 and depicted in
figure 9.

Table-2 Taluk-wise groundwater resource of Chamarajanagar district (March 2009)

water draft for domestic
water draft for irrigation

Allocation for domestic

irrigation development
Existing gross ground

Existing gross ground

Existing gross ground

water draft for all uses

and industrial use for

availability for future

and industrial water

Stage of ground water

Net annual ground

Net ground water

water availability

development (%)
next 25 years

development
Stage of GW
supply

Semi-critical

Taluk
Critical (%)
Safe (%)

OE (%)
(%)

HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM % % % % %

CR NAGAR 10831 6062 589 6651 905 3863 61 97 03 - -

GUNDLUPET 7553 9235 857 10092 929 1018 134 50 25 - 25
KOLLEGAL 13412 5617 557 6174 764 7286 46 65 - - 35
YELANDUR 2391 1490 151 1641 328 573 69 100 - - -
TOTAL 34187 22404 2154 24558 2926 12740 - - - - -
Fig.8
The Stage of groundwater is the highest in Gundlupet taluk (134%) and the lowest
in Kollegal taluk (46%). A moderate development has taken place in
Chamarajanagar (61%) and Yalandur (69%) taluks. Categorisation of each taluk
area has been done on the basis of Stage of development and the long term trend of
water level fluctuation. Thus, the categorization of the taluks indicates that the
entire Yalandur taluk falls under safe category and in Chamarajanagar taluk 97%
area falls in safe category, where there is enough scope for further ground water
development. In Kollegal taluk 65% area falls in safe category and in Gundlupet
taluk 50% of the area falls in Safe category. In these taluks, considerable parts of the
area fall in Over-Exploited (35% in Kollegal taluk and 25% in Gundlupet taluk)
category. Thus, it can be seen that about 70% of the district area is under Safe, 7%
under Semi- critical and 23% is under Over-exploited category. In over-exploited
area future groundwater development should be taken up cautiously with adopting
proper management practices for avoiding further deterioration of the resource.
Taluk wise Status of groundwater utilization is presented in figure – 9.

4.3 Ground water quality

The water samples from NH Stations (2007) were analysed to decipher the shallow
aquifer water quality. The results indicate that the water is alkaline in nature with pH
value ranging from8.3 to8.9.The range of other important parameters / contents are-
EC ranges from 850 to 1770micromhos/cm at 25 °C; Carbonate from 12 to 27 ppm;
Bicarbonate from 250 to 336 ppm; Chloride from 78 to 490 ppm, Calcium from 24
to44; Magnesium from 10 to 24 ppm;Sodium from 91 to 300 ppm Sulphate from 30
to 48ppm and Nitrate from 9 to 143 ppm. Groundwaters from most of the area are
potable and suitable for domestic and irrigational purposes except few
exceptions.Excess of Nitrate and chloride contents are noticed in a few pockets in
Chamarajanagar and Yalandur taluks, which is probably due to intensive irrigational
activities in the command areas utilizing nitrogenous chemical fertilizers. The Nitrate
concentrations in some places is beyond 100 ppm. Similarly, fluoride concentrations
beyond 1.5ppm is observed in the eastern parts of Kollegal taluk which is geogenic..
The ground water quality of the district is presented in the figure-10.
Fig.9
Fig.10
 4.4 Status of ground water development

4.4.1 Chamarajanagar taluk

Area of the Chamarajanagar taluk is 1226.67 sq.km. The area is underlain by hard,
gneiss and charnockites. About 22% of the area of the taluk is covered by forest.
Net sown area is 58735 hect constituting about 48% of the total area. The Net
Irrigated area is 37% of the Net sown area. Groundwater is the major source of
irrigation contributing nearly 80%. Canal irrigation from KRS project (Cauvery river)
covers about 13% of the irrigated area. Groundwater is the main source of drinking
water in major part of the taluk and surface water supplements the drinking water
needs in the canal coverage area. There are 9720 irrigation bore wells and 175
irrigation dug wells. Sprinkler and Drip irrigation methods are being increasingly
adopted to manage the water resources in agriculture sector.
The stage of ground water development 61% as against the district average
of 72%. Thus, 97% of the area in the taluk is under Safe category and the
remaining 3% area is under Semi-Critical category. Shallow zone ground water can
be developed for irrigation through dugwells in topographic lows and through
shallow/deep bore wells in the other areas. Under second phase of groundwater
exploration programme 9 bore wells (6 exploratory wells & 3 Observation wells)
borewells drilled which range in depth from 104m to 201 m. Potential fractured
aquifers are encountered between 18 m and 165m depth with yields of less than 1
lps to 6.12 lps. Scientifically selected bore well sites in the taluk can help the
farmers in getting a good yield.

4.4.2 Gundlupet Taluk

Area of the Gundlupet taluk is 1392.88 sq.km. The area is underlain by hard,
gnessic formation. About 32 % of the area of the taluk is covered by forest. Net
sown area is 57440 hectares constituting about 41 % of the total area. The Net
Irrigated area is 17.6% of the Net sown area. There is no surface water irrigation
facility in the taluk and groundwater is the sole source for the domestic and
irrigation sectors.
Groundwater for irrigation in agriculture sector is developed through 7275 bore wells
and 75 dug wells. The ground water thus developed are utilized for irrigation by
adopting different efficient water use irrigation practices such as sprinklers
irrigations and drip irrigations.
The stage of ground water development in Gundlupet taluk is the highest in
the district. A high development of 134 % has resulted in the desaturation of
phreatic zone keeping no scope for further development of the resource. The pace
of development is not uniform throughout the taluk. Though the over all stage of
groundwater development is high, only 25% of the taluk area is under Over-
exploited category and 25% is under Semi-critical and the remaining 25% under
Safe category. However, further ground water development can be done through by
developing deeper aquifers. Under second phase of groundwater exploration
programme 10 bore wells (8 exploratory wells & 2 Observation wells) have been
drilled which range in depth from 103 m to 153.5 m. Potential fractured aquifers are
encountered between 36 m and 151 m depth with yields of less than 1 lps to 10 lps.
Scientifically selected bore well sites in the taluk can help the farmers in getting a
good yield.

4.4.3 Yalandur Taluk

Yalandur taluk is the smallest taluk in Chamarajanagar district with an area of
266.34 sq.km. The area is underlain by hard, gneiss and charnockite formations.
About 40 % of the area of the taluk is covered by forest. Net sown area is 9471 hect
constituting about 36 % of the total area. The entire net sown area is under
irrigation. The Net Irrigated area is 17.6% of the Net sown area. Canal irrigation from
KRS project (Cauvery river) covers about 39 % of the irrigated area and nearly an
equal area (36%) is under ground water irrigation. The remaining area is irrigated by
MI tanks and other sources.
Groundwater for irrigation in agriculture sector is developed through 1221bore
wells and 338 dug wells. Groundwater development is low as canal water is made
available for irrigation. The ground water thus developed are utilized for irrigation by
adopting different efficient water use irrigation practices such as sprinklers
irrigations and drip irrigations.
The stage of ground water development in Yalandur taluk is 69% which is a
little lesser than the district average of 72 %. The entire taluk area is under Safe
category indicating a further scope for the development of Dynamic groundwater
resource.
4.4.4. Kollegal Taluk
Kollegal is the largest taluk in Chamarajanagar district with an area of 2785.82
sq.km. The area is underlain by hard, charnockite and gnessic formations. The
taluk is almost hilly with a forest cover spread over about 69 % of the area. Net
sown area is 66192 Hect constituting about 24 % of the total area. The Net Irrigated
area is 39 % of the Net sown area. Groundwater is the major source of irrigation
(54%) followed by Canal irrigation (24%) from KRS project (Cauvery river).
Groundwater for irrigation in agriculture sector is developed through 4632 bore wells
and 2570 dug wells. Groundwater development is low as canal water is made
available for irrigation. The ground water thus developed are utilized for irrigation by
adopting different efficient water use irrigation practices such as sprinklers
irrigations and drip irrigations. For irrigation, dug wells are common abstraction
structures in canal command areas of the taluk which are supplementing irrigation
during water shortage during summer months. As the major part of the taluk is hilly
and covered by forest, groundwater development is low. There is enough scope for
further ground water development in the taluk.
.
The stage of ground Dynamic water development in Kollegal taluk is 46%
which is the least in the district. But, the groundwater development is not uniform in
the taluk and therefore, some areas have witnessed a very high development and
are classified as Over- exploited. Accordingly, 65% of the area falling in the northern
part is under Safe category and the remaining 35% area in the southern part is
classified as Over-exploited. There is further scope for developing dynamic
groundwater resource in the northern (Safe category) part of the taluk. Under second
phase of groundwater exploration programme 13 bore wells (10 exploratory wells &
3 Observation wells) have been drilled which range in depth from 104 m to 201 m.
Potential fractured aquifers are encountered between 18 m and 165m depth with
yields of less than 1 lps to 6.12 lps. Scientifically selected bore well sites in the taluk
can help the farmers in getting a good yield.
5.0 Ground water management strategy
The Chamarajanagar district located in the southern tip of Karnataka is mainly a hilly
area with 48% forest coverage. With an average rainfall of 737mm, the district is
chronically drought prone. Further, due to the undulating topography percolation is
poor and considerable rainfall runoff leaves the area unutilized. Therefore,
Watershed treatment can help in augmenting the ground water resources. The
areas where the artificial recharge structures are not feasible and rainfall is more,
the available base flow in the streams and rivers during non-monsoon season may
be arrested through construction of vented dams at suitable sites, which can be used
either for water supply or for irrigation purposes. The net sown area comprises 34%
of the total geographical area. The contribution of ground water is 68% of total
irrigated area. Similarly, for drinking water also from ground water source through
bore wells, i.e. 6881 hand pumps, 725 piped water supply schemes and 665 as mini
waer supply schemes. Groundwater is to be used more judiciously to support the
irrigated agriculture for food production. In irrigated agriculture, following a suitable
cropping pattern and increasing the water use efficiency are ever more essential
water management strategies to have a sustained groundwater development.

5.1 Ground water development

Dynamic Groundwater Resource Estimation (March 2009) reveals development
72% in the district. As per this estimation, the net ground water availability for future
irrigation development is 12740 HAM. As the development in Safe limit and there is
scope for development in Chamarajanagar and Yalandur taluks. In Gundlupet and
Kollegal taluks, in some areas there is higher development has been noticed and
groundwater development should be restricted in these parts and the remaining
areas development can be concentrated. Dug wells are the ideal structures in
command areas of Yalandur taluk and Kollegal taluk. Dug cum bore wells and bore
wells are suitable in the other areas. The diameter may be 5.00m to 8.00m and the
depth may be 10.00 to 25.00mbgl. Bore wells may be drilled from the bottom of the
dug wells up to the depth of 30.00 to 60.00mbgl to tap weathered zone and shallow
fractures wherever it is feasible. Bore wells are possible in all topographic conditions.
As revealed by groundwater exploration by CGWB, drilling in a scientifically selected
site down to an optimum depth of 150 to 200m can yield a discharge of 2 to 5 lps.
In non-command areas and more undulating terrain with a comparatively shallow
weathered thickness area such development through medium to deep bore wells can
be attempted.

While designing the various abstraction structures, a farm budget model can be
evolved for the structure with a designed discharge of 2 to 5 lps with an irrigable
command of 1.25 to 3.00 ha. The colluviums in Yalandur area requires estimation
of the total thickness and its spread over area for further development. Ground
water development may also be considered along the banks of rivers and streams in
Yalandur taluk in general and command areas of Yalandur and Kollegal taluks. Well
density criteria shoud be kept in mind while planning the ground water development.

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

As per the Dynamic Groundwater Resource Estimation (March 2009), the average
Stage of Groundwater Development in the district 72%. Groundwater development
is not and it varies considerably in different taluks. It varies from 46% in Kollegal
taluk to 134% in Gundlupet taluk.In other taluks a moderate development has taken
place. Yelandur and Chamarajanagar taluks are in Safe category but, in about 35%
of the Kollegal and 25% of the Gundlupet taluk are Over-exploited where furthrr
development of groundwater resource is not feasible. These taluks require
immediate implementation of measures of conservation and artificial recharge to in
order to arrest further decline of water levels. Adoption of such rainwater harvesting
practices in such areas in the district is essential to achieve a sustained development
of the groundwater resource. Artificial recharge through percolation tank, check dam
and nalla bunds, abandoned irrigation dug wells are the solutions to recharge ground
water in the district. Kollegal taluk is the largest, where 70% of the total area is
predominately hilly and major part of the rainfall leaves the area as surface run off.
Under these conditions, it is advisable to go for watershed treatment methods, which
can help in augmenting the ground water resources (fig.11). Further, considering the
topography, the structures like gully plugs, cement plugs, nalla bunds and contour
bunds will be helpful in arresting runoff and recharging the ground water apart from
serving the purpose of soil conservation. As per the statistical data, the district has
218 tanks. Maximum of 126 tanks are in Gundlupet taluk, and minimum of 16 tanks
are in Kollegal, There is good scope for further construction of percolation tanks,
Fig.11
check dams and other artificial recharge structures to enhance the recharge in to the
ground water system in Kollegal taluk. Most of the existing tanks are silted and dried
up. Desilting the tanks and construction of additional tanks will help in recharging
the phreatic zone. Sub surface dykes are suitable along the river course where ever
thickness of alluvium is adequate.
A Central Govt assisted ‘Dug Well Recharge’ scheme is under implementation in the
district. The scheme is intended to recharge groundwater through abandoned
irrigation dug wells with subsidy component to marginal and small farmers borne by
the Central Government. The scheme is being implemented by the State
Government. As per the latest data (31.3.2012) out of the 477 identified
beneficiaries, the scheme is completed by 239 beneficiaries.

6.0 Ground water related issues & problems

Drinking water scarcity exists in the entire district. Thus, groundwater quantity as well
as quality problems are of major concern in the district. Groundwater scarcity is on
higher scale in Gundlupet and Kollegal taluks where, some parts are under over-
exploited category. In Yalandur and Chamarajanagar taluks scarcity of water is
observed especially in non-command areas. Excess geogenic (related with the
aquifer / rock formation) fluoride is the natural quality problem in the district. High
nitrate due to anthropogenic activity like nomal pollution and use of nitrogenous
fertilizers is a major quality concern in the canal command areas of Yalandur and
Kollegal and Chamarajanagar taluks.
7.0 Awareness & Training Activity
Central Ground Water Board has organised Mass Awareness programme in Kollegal
on 06/07/2005 in Shikshakara Bhavana, Kollegal. Smt. Bharati Nagraj, president
Zillah Panchayat was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the programme. Shri. S. M.
Somashekar, CEO, ZP was the Guest of Honour. As a part of this programme,
Drawing competition was organised for school children and certificates were
distributed. Working models of artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting were
exhibited. Documentaries on ARS and Rainwater Harvesting with case studies and
quality of ground water were shown. About 300 representatives from State
Government, Educational institutions, Farmer community, Self-help and User group
particularly, from Sthree shakti organisation participated in the programme.
Water Management Training Programme (WMTP) was held at Taluk Panchayat Hall,
Chamarajanagar on 27th and 28th July 2005. Sri. Bharadwaj, Chairman, Institutions
of Engineers, inaugurated the programme. Sri.S. M.Somashekar, CEO, ZP, presided
over the function. Lecture on various water related topics were delivered and field
visit to rainwater harvesting site was arranged.

8.0 Areas notified by CGWA / SGWA

None of the taluks has been notified under CGWA / SGWA.

9.0 UNIT AREA ANNUAL GROUNDWATER RECHARGE

Sustainability of groundwater resource depends mainly on two factors viz. Annual

groundwater recharge and annual groundwater draft. The annual groundwater
recharge depends on the quantity and intensity of rain fall, the infiltration
characteristics of the soil, the depth to groundwater level, the slope of the area and
the geomorphology. The groundwater recharge is assessed separately for the
monsoon and non - monsoon periods due to rainfall as well as due to other sources.
The annual groundwater recharge includes all the above.
The recharge from other sources includes return seepage from irrigated area,
seepage from canals, seepage from water bodies, seepage from influent rivers etc.
The recharge can be expressed in metres. In Chamarajanagar district, the Unit Area
annual recharge ranges from 0.025 to 0.10 m in Yalandur and Gundlupet taluks
and from 0.10 To 0.15 m, in Chamarajanagar and Kollegal Taluks (Fig.12 ).

10.0 Recommendations
A major portion of Chamarajanagar district is hilly and undulating terrain. The steep
sloppy topographical condition leads to high runoff. So, adopting water shed
treatment is good option in augmenting the natural recharge. Due to the undulating
topographical condition, the irrigated agricultural activity is confined to intermountain
valleys, resulting in clustering of irrigation wells. This has lead to the over-
exploitation of groundwater resources in such areas. The Stage of ground water is
the highest (134%) in Gundlupet taluk and over-exploitation of the resource has
taken in parts of Kollegal and Gundlupet taluks. Development of groundwater
resource has to be restricted in the over-exploited areas. Development is to be
undertaken cautiously in Semi-critical parts of Gundlupet and Chamarajanagar
taluks. Groundwater management is all the more essential in the over-exploited parts
Fig. 12
and semi-critical areas of the district. Groundwater augmentation measures through
artificial recharge, construction of percolation tanks, watershed treatments should be
implemented in resource depleted areas. In addition to this, the abandoned bore
well/dug wells can be utilised for recharging aquifers with surplus runoff during rainy
days as implemented in Gundlupet and Kollegal taluks under Central Govt assisted
Dug Well Recharge Scheme during 2007 –2011. The scheme should be extended to
all semi- critical, critical and over-exploited areas in the district. Following the proper
cropping pattern, crop-water manegement and adopting water economy irrigation
practices should be the part of groundwater management. Construction of
pizometers to monitor water levels on long term basis can help to keep a watch on
water levels and help to initiate remedial measures. The villages located in hilly
regions of the district facing drinking water scarcity. In command areas, rise in
groundwater level should be checked to avoid water logging and salinity problems.