While 24 districts in Tamil Nadu witnessed an increase in their groundwater levels last month (October) compared to August due to continous rains, the same cannot be said for 13 districts in the state, including Coimbatore. Of course, the water levels of dams and water bodies here rose, but according to a recent report, Coimbatore's groundwater level did not.

The Department of Water Resources, Government of Tamil Nadu, uses over 1,000 wells to measure groundwater levels each month across the state. A comparison with August’s readings revealed that groundwater levels in Coimbatore and a dozen other districts did not rise.

Over-consumption of groundwater through borewells is cited as the primary cause of this scenario in Coimbatore in the report. Along with Erode and Tiruppur, Coimbatore is listed among the districts that excessively consume groundwater in the state.

As a district with high aspirations for growth, Coimbatore has focused on economic development and is working towards it round the clock. However, its focus should also firmly include the environment and precious resources should not be misused. If this practice of over-extracting groundwater continues long term, it may have adverse environmental impacts.

Awareness about proper usage of groundwater in residential and commercial establishments should be made. Rainwater harvesting should be implemented in all buildings, and authorities must ensure that these practices are enforced.