Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 31: A decline in groundwater levels has been recorded in Mangaluru, Moodbidri and Ullal taluks of Dakshina Kannada (DK) district, causing concern among officials and residents.
Despite receiving adequate rainfall this year, overall fluctuation data for 2025 shows a drop in groundwater levels in these three taluks, while levels have improved in the remaining taluks of the district. In 2022, Ullal taluk had recorded the maximum groundwater depth level at 27.68 metres, which has risen to 14.67 metres by 2025. Meanwhile, groundwater levels have increased by about 4 metres in Kadaba, Bantwal and Sullia taluks.
Officials from the groundwater development department stated that except for these three taluks, groundwater levels have increased in all other taluks, placing Dakshina Kannada district in the ‘safe’ category.
Groundwater level data is being compiled through 61 observation wells maintained by the department across all taluks in the district. Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLR) are being used to accurately monitor and record groundwater levels.
Senior geologists of the Dakshina Kannada groundwater department said that the primary reason for the decline in groundwater levels is the increase in population, which has led to higher water demand. Additionally, groundwater usage for agriculture and horticulture has also increased significantly.
Several measures have already been initiated to prevent further depletion of groundwater. Greater emphasis is being laid on rainwater harvesting. Priority is being given to rainwater collection, recharge of groundwater sources such as open wells and borewells, adoption of drip irrigation and sprinkler systems to improve agricultural water use efficiency, and construction of check dams. Awareness programmes are also being conducted at the gram panchayat level.
Obtaining a no-objection certificate from local bodies has been made mandatory for drilling borewells, and this rule is being strictly enforced. In certain cases, inspections are also carried out by a committee headed by the district deputy commissioner along with the groundwater department. There are plans to further tighten borewell regulations.
“While groundwater levels have not declined in most taluks of the district except for the three mentioned, maintaining groundwater levels in the future will require sustained efforts in rainwater harvesting, recharge and public awareness. Some industries and factories in and around Mangaluru are already harvesting rainwater and using it throughout the year, and this practice needs to be implemented on a wider scale,” said Sheikh Dawood, senior geologist, groundwater development department, Dakshina Kannada.