CWRDM suggests clearing waterways, smarter dam operations to combat monsoon fury

The Kozhikode-based Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), an agency under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, has suggested both long-term and short-term measures to address the consequences of the early onset of the monsoon in Kerala.

CWRDM officials told The Hindu on Sunday (June 1) that immediate steps should include clearing waterways—especially small streams within river systems; intelligent and timely operation of dams, check dams, and other flow-regulating structures; avoiding harvesting and storing large volumes of water in upper reaches; and preventing soil or land disturbances in sloping areas.

The CWRDM also recommended marking/geo-tagging and surveillance of accident-prone waterlogged zones near schools and roads; avoiding the mixing of waste or wastewater with drinking water sources; using boiled water for drinking; testing the quality of drinking water in waterlogged areas; and closely monitoring and acting on warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the State Disaster Management Authority, and other government agencies.

Long-term strategies suggested by the agency include an accurate and precise model, a software-based mobile app or a user interface to get weather prediction and a short-term weather forecast. The agency also emphasised the need for systems to enable the timely and efficient dissemination of information and warnings to the public.

Other proposals include involving citizens in rain and river monitoring; deploying trained disaster management teams in hotspot areas; issuing advance guidance on dos and don’ts during disasters; and marking safe zones for immediate evacuation.

This year, Kerala experienced an early onset of the Southwest Monsoon on May 24. The earliest recorded onset during this period occurred in 1990, when the monsoon arrived on May 18. The early arrival this year was accompanied by intense rainfall during the last week of May.

According to data from the CWRDM meteorological station in Kozhikode, the region recorded 620 mm of rainfall between May 24 and May 31, which amounts to approximately 27.78% of the seasonal monsoon average of 2,228 mm. Each day in this period saw over 60 mm of rainfall until May 30, resulting in saturated soil, localised flooding, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Analysing historical patterns, CWRDM officials noted that early monsoon onsets have often been associated with above-normal seasonal rainfall. In nearly 70% of the years with early onset, Kerala received above-average total monsoon rainfall. If this trend continues, 2025 could be heading for an above-average monsoon—provided rainfall remains consistent during the mid and late phases of the season. These evolving trends highlight the urgent need for improved forecasting tools, real-time rainfall monitoring, and adaptive planning strategies, the officials said.

The CWRDM officials also pointed out a growing concern: the increasing frequency of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events, often followed by extended dry spells. While such patterns keep the average seasonal rainfall stable, they redistribute it unevenly over time, increasing the risk of flash floods and rainfall-induced landslides, particularly in hilly and urban areas. These extreme events place mounting pressure on infrastructure, strain water management systems, and challenge the resilience of the agricultural sector, they added.

Published - June 01, 2025 07:32 pm IST