Kerala has basically three types of geographical terrains [eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains)].
Palakkad is located almost in the middle of Kerala and it shares the border with Tamil Nadu with Coimbatore being the nearest Metro city. Palakkad has a different geographical terrain and a typical weather pattern which is much different than other districts in Kerala. Most of the eastern regions of Palakkad are rain shadow places where almost no rainfall is received throughout the year.
Ancestors of Palakkad knew this very well and they knew the importance of precious rainwater harvesting. They dig up as many number of lakes, ponds in farmland, ponds attached to temples, public wells, wells in each home to save rainwater and overcome water crises.
Palakkad has (or had) the most number of waterbodies (ponds, lakes, dams) than any other district in Kerala. 90 percent of these waterbodies were privately owned as land was not expensive until 1990s in Palakkad.
Gulf money and the real estate boom of 2000s and 2010s in Kerala also affected Palakkad. When demand for land increased substantially in Palakkad, owners of these pond gradually filled the lakes, ponds and smaller waterbodies to sell it. And it is incorrect to blame them as these land owners of lakes and ponds are common people or farmers and they sold off to meet their basic needs.
At this point Local Self Governments (LSGs) should involve, intervene and develop lakes, ponds and public wells by taking these lands it on lease and maintaining it. Simultaneously they can buy new lands in each wards and develop new lakes and ponds.
Other stakeholders such as PMA, Palakkad Chamber, Rotary Club, Lions Club, IIT, Ahalia Group should be consulted / involved for their contribution and participation in such activities. Siruthuli in Coimbatore is an ideal model for Palakkad to replicate in rainwater harvesting. Siruthuli is a NGO jointly formed by Coimbatore Corporation, various industries associations, educational institutions, other environmental NGOs.
