In a newly launched initiative aimed at combating water scarcity in highland regions, the Haritha Kerala Mission has started a pilot project that uses water stored in unused stone quarries to recharge groundwater in Ernakulam district. The innovative effort comes as part of the state’s broader water conservation goals to sustainably manage scarce water resources and mitigate seasonal shortages.
Under the first phase of the project, authorities selected a three-acre abandoned quarry in Chillanthode, located in Vengoor panchayat, known for its numerous old quarry sites. A hydraulic survey of the site confirmed that the deep quarry—over 20 feet—holds a substantial amount of clear, perennial water, making it suitable as a reservoir for recharging nearby water systems.
To facilitate this, a solar-powered water pump will draw water from the quarry and channel it into a nearby canal that is part of the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project. From there, the water will be distributed into local canals and other water bodies, with the explicit aim of enhancing the water table in surrounding areas that typically face acute summer dryness. Officials believe this method will not only benefit wells and ponds locally but could serve as a model for other panchayats across the state.
The project has been supported by multiple departments, including the irrigation and state groundwater departments, with ₹10 lakh funding allocated by the Kerala government. Local bodies such as Paingottoor panchayat have already expressed interest in adopting similar quarry recharge initiatives, highlighting the minimal investment and positive environmental impact expected from this approach.
This quarry water recharging effort fits within the wider framework of the Haritha Kerala Mission’s commitment to water abundance and security, which includes campaigns for stream restoration, watercourse cleaning, and community-driven water conservation strategies.
