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A study by the Haritha Keralam Mission has found that while Kochi Corporation in Ernakulam district has an annual water surplus, it experiences a seasonal deficit from late November to early May due to inadequate conservation. The water budget for 96 local bodies, including Kochi, shows available water at 116 million cubic metres against a demand of 93.48 million cubic metres, indicating surplus availability for most of the year.
The analysis attributes the deficit to the failure to conserve rainwater, which remains the primary water source. Officials noted that over-reliance on the Kerala Water Authority has strained supply systems and led to the neglect of traditional sources like wells and waterbodies. The budget, assessed over a June-to-May cycle, compares 10-day intervals of supply and demand to guide local planning.
Water requirements were calculated across domestic, agricultural, industrial, tourism, and animal husbandry sectors. The exercise was conducted by local bodies with technical support from the Centre for Water Resources Management and Development. Officials stressed the need to revive and conserve local waterbodies to manage seasonal shortages.
The water budgeting framework will be used by local authorities to design targeted conservation strategies. The Haritha Keralam Mission will review implementation with local bodies and state departments in the coming months.