water-conflicts-logo

Kerala State Resource Centre

Kerala State Centre

Kerala State Centre (KSC) was set up in October 2008 with the intention of engaging in active conflicts, conflict documentation, and dialogue towards conflict resolution and policy intervention. Dr.  A. Latha from the Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samithi coordinates the centre and work of the Forum in Kerala. During the second phase of the Forum, the Kerala State Centre was involved in the following work:

  • Action research towards resolving upstream downstream conflicts in Chalakudy river basin
  • Resource centre for documentation and outreach
  • Creation of space for dialogue and negotiation on active conflicts
  • Assist legal and policy intervention on water conflicts


In the current phase of the Forum, KSC continues its work in Kerala on resolving conflicts. The main activities in this phase include,

  1. Taking forward the action research on Reservoir Operation Model (ROM) through advocacy
    Sustained efforts are taking place to modify the operations of the existing hydro reservoirs in order to facilitate better water availability for people in downstream regions to fulfil their needs in summer. KSC has been continuously interacting with the officials from the Kerala State Electricity Board in this regard. Also, continuous interaction with irrigation officials and Local Self Government (LSGs) was done to monitor the result of this change in operation. The most important factor in the campaign / advocacy was the role played by the LSGs. A River Basin Forum was also formed to maintain the dialogue. An article (Click here) was published in this regard in ‘Dams Rivers and People’
        
  2. Paper on groundwater situation and its pertaining laws in Kerala
    Dr. Ajaykumar Varma has been consulted for writing a brief paper on the situation of groundwater in Kerala. A review meeting will be conducted, wherein the draft paper will be discussed in detail with the local people and expertise. After incorporating the inputs from the meeting, the final paper will be published both in English and Malayalam.
     
  3. Understanding the socio-ecological aspects of small hydroelectric projects
    In the beginning a preliminary analysis of six hydroelectric projects were carried out, both proposed and ongoing. From the point of feasibility and importance, two sites have been selected, these are, Kakkadampoil (21 MW) of the Chaliyar river basin and Chathankottu Nada (6 MW) of the Kuttiadi river basin.
    Figure 1: The Chathankottu Nada Project at Kozikhode

     
  4. Develop water resource management plans at Gram Panchayat level
    The main objective in this regard is to develop farm level water conservation plans with help of the local people. Therefore, in the initial phase three Gram Panchayats were approached and water resource management committees were formed. Meetings were conducted with the Kodakara, Pariyaram and Mattathur GPs. During these meetings, the available water resources are discussed, field evaluation of the canal system and flows was done and thereby strategies are being developed to conserve water and use it wisely. One of the main issues highlighted in these meetings is to look beyond Chalakudy River Diversion Scheme (CRDS) and address the water issues in the entire GP.