For official use

Technical Report Series

DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE

ERODE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

A.SUBBURAJ
SCIENTIST-D

Government of India
Ministry of Water Resources
Central Ground Water Board
South Eastern Coastal Region
Chennai

April 2008
 DISTRICT AT A GLANCE (ERODE DISTRICT)

S.NO ITEMS STATISTICS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
i. Geographical area (Sq. Km) 8161.91
ii. Administrative Divisions AS on (31-3-2007)
Number of Tehsils 07
Number of Blocks 20
Number of Town Panchayats 59
Number of Villages 456
iii. Population (As on 2001 Censes)
Total Population 2581500
Male Population 1309278
Female Population 1272222
iv. Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 789.7 (1901 - 1950)
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
i. Major physiographic Units Upland plateau region with hill
ranges, isolated hillocks and
undulating plain.
ii. Major Drainages Cauvery, Bhavani, Noyil,
Amaravathi and Palar.
3. LAND USE (Sq. Km)
i. Forest area 2287
ii. Net area sown 3010
iii. Cultivable area 55.6
4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES Red calcareous soil, Red non
calcareous soil, Black Soil,
Alluvial and Colluvial soils,
Brown soil and Forest soil.
5. AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS IN Ha. 1.Paddy – 43539 (13.41%)
(AS ON 31.3.2007) 2.Ground nut- 46990 (14.47%)
3.Sugarcane - 41402 (12.75%)
4.Pulsus- 19233 (05.92%)
6. IRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES Number Area irrigated
i. Dug wells 122543 52474
ii. Tube wells/ Bore wells 9707 14659
iii. Tanks/Ponds 847 228
iv. Canals 28 91904
v. Other Sources 07 1952
vi. Net irrigated area 161217
vii. Cross irrigated area 184904
7. NUMBERS OF GROUND WATER
MONITORING STATIONWELLS OF
CGWB (AS ON 2007)
i. No of dug wells 18
ii. No of piezometers under Hydrology Project 15
8. PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL Alluvium, Colluvium, Laterite,
FORMATIONS Granites, Dolerites, Quartzite,
Charnockites and Gneisses.
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
i. Major water bearing formations Alluvium, Colluvium and
weathered, fractured, fissured
Crystalline rocks.
ii. Pre- monsoon depth to water level (May -2006) 1.76 – 35.69 M.bgl
iii. Post- monsoon depth to water level (Jan-2007) 1.53 – 16.40 M.bgl
iv. Long term water level trend in 10 years (1997- Rise (m/year) Fall (m/year)
2006) in m/yr Min.-0.0015 Min.-0.0085
Max.-1.4880 Max.-1.2040
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY
CGWB (As on 31-03-2007)
i. Number of Exploratory wells drilled 69
ii. Number of Observation wells drilled 18
iii. Number of Piezometers drilled 05
iv. Depth range (m) 25.00– 300.00
v. Discharge (Litres per second) 0.078 – 27.00
vi. Specific capacity (Lpm/m) 9.33 – 970.60
vii. Transmissivity (m2/day) 0.053– 457.25
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY
i. Presence of chemical constituents more than TH as Ca Co3, NO3
permissible limit
ii. Type of water NaCl, Ca-Cl
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES
(2004) in mcm
i. Annual Replenishable Ground Water 769.62
Resources
ii. Net Annul Ground Water Draft 1268.26
iii. Projected demand for Domestic and Industrial 40.07
Uses upto 2025
iv. Stage of Ground Water Development 135.24
13. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY
i. Mass Awareness Programmes Organized NIL
Date -- --
Place -- --
No of Participants -- --
ii. Water Management Training Organized NIL
Date -- --
Place -- --
No of Participants -- --
14. EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE &
RAINWATER HARVESTING
i. Projects completed by CGWB NIL
Number of structures
ii. Projects under technical guidance of CGWB NIL
Number of structures
15. GROUND WATER CONTROL AND
REGULATION
i. Number of OE Blocks 03
ii. Number of Critical Blocks 04
iii. Number of Blocks Notified NIl
16. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS 1)High level of ground water
AND ISSUS development.

2) Declining of ground water

level and drying of shallow
wells.

3) Incidence of fluoride in
ground water.

4) Local pollution of Surface

and ground water by industrial
units.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Administrative Details

Erode district is divided into 7 taluks. The taluks are further divided into 20 blocks,
which further divided into 549 villages.

Table : 1.1 Administrative Set-up of Erode District

S. Taluk Area No.of Block Area (Ha.) No.of
No. (Sq.km) Villages Villages
1 Erode 743.79 94 Erode 16928 41
Madakurichi 34888 29
Kodumudi 22563 24
2 Bhavani 1503.72 57 Bhavani 22036 20
Ammapet 24448 23
Anthiyur 103888 14
3 Perundurai 806.21 111 Perundurai 29234 48
Chennimalai 28495 24
Uthukuli 22892 49
4 Gobichetti 703.46 76 Gobichettipalayam 26991 32
palayam T.N.Palayam 18447 21
Nambiyur 24908 23
5 Sathiyamangalam 2185.70 96 Sathiyamangalam 96320 30
Bhavani Sagar 28170 26
Thalavady 94080 30
6 Kangayam 707.84 37 Kangayam 34910 20
Vellakoil 35874 17
7 Dharapuram 1511.19 78 Dharapuram 47401 28
Moolanur 46197 20
Kundadam 57521 30
District Total 8161.91 549 816191 549

1.2 Basin and sub-basin

Major part of the district is falling in part of east flowing Cauvery river basin as per
the Irrigation Atlas of India. Palar Maleru, Suvaranvati, Bhavani, R.B.Cauvery,
Moyar, Below dam, Kallar, Vanathangarai, Noyil, Vattamalai, Uppar odai,
Nangangai, are the sub basins. The district is further sub divided into number of minar
basins.

1.3 Drainage

The river Cauvery flows along the eastern border of the district. Most of the rivers and
streams drained the district form the tributaries to the Cauvery river.

The Bhavani river, which has its origin in the Silent Valley range of Kerala State,
enters the district about 30 km west of Bhavanisagar and flows more or less in an
easterly direction and confluences with the river Cauvery at Bhavani town. Moyar
river is a major tributary of the river Bhavani. The river Bhavani is tamed by a
reservoir namely the Bhavanisagar.
The Palar river originating in the south Bargur forest flows in north-easterly and
easterly directions. Maniyar Halla, Tatta Halla, Kathala Halla, Yemahatti Halla and
Dinnepattipaliam are the important minor tributaries of the Palar river.

The Noyil River draining the southern part of the district has its origin in the
Boluvampatty valley of the Vellingiri hills of Western Ghats enter the district flowing
from Coimbatore district.

The Amaravathi river and its tributaries drain the southern part of the district. It has its
origin in Kerala state and passing through the adjoining districts, enters the district at
about 5 km south of Salempalayam. The major tributaries to Amaravathi river are the
Uppar Odai, Shanmukha Nadi, Nallathangal Odai and Vattamalakkarai.

The important streamlets flowing in the northern side are the Bale Halla and
Anaikodu Halla, which form tributaries to Suvaranavati river flowing into Karnataka.

1.4 Irrigation Practices

Nine fold land use classification of the Erode district (2005-2006)

S.No Classification Area (Ha)

1 Forests 228749
2 Barren & Uncultivable Lands 7074
3 Land put to non agricultural uses 80708
4 Cultivable Waste 556
5 Permanent Pastures & other grazing lands 187
6 Groves not included in the area sown 1360
7 Current Fallows 90697
8 Other Fallow Lands 105878
9 Net Area sown 300982
Total 816191
(Source: Department of Economics & Statistics, Govt. of Tamil Nadu)

The data available indicate that an area of about 161217 ha, which is about 19.75
percent of the total geographical area of the district is under irrigated agriculture.
Canals are the major source of water for irrigation in the district, accounting for about
57.00 percent of the total area irrigated in the district. Dug wells, and bore wells are
the accounting for about 32.55 and 9.09 percent of the total area irrigated respectively.
Other sources and tanks accounting for about 1.21, and 0.14 percent respectively. It is
observed that the well irrigation is the highest in Dharapuram block followed by block
Andhiyur.
The block wise and source wise net area irrigated in Ha is given below (2005-06).

S.No Block Net area irrigated by Total

Canals Tanks Tube Ordinary Other Net
wells wells Sources Area
irrigated
1 Ammapet 3658.00 0.00 78.00 4133.00 367.00 8236.00
2 Andhiyur 274.00 0.00 259.00 5598.00 440.00 6571.00
3 Bhavani 6983.00 162.00 140.00 3448.00 768.00 11501.00
4 Bhavanisagar 987.00 0.00 1381.00 1087.00 0.00 3455.00
5 Chennimalai 2612.00 0.00 226.00 1896.00 0.00 4734.00
6 Dharapuram 9285.00 46.00 22.00 5930.00 0.00 15283.00
7 Erode 5996.00 0.00 32.00 483.00 101.00 6612.00
8 Gobichettipalayam 10697.00 20.00 1061.00 2630.00 0.00 14408.00
9 Kangeyam 2589.00 0.00 222.00 2162.00 0.00 4973.00
10 Kodumudi 10871.00 0.00 537.00 1628.00 0.00 13036.00
11 Kundadam 3415.00 0.00 243.00 5410.00 0.00 9068.00
12 Modakurichi 15342.00 0.00 85.00 1628.00 26.00 17081.00
13 Mulanur 793.00 0.00 157.00 2800.00 0.00 3750.00
14 Nambiyur 1440.00 0.00 1396.00 2540.00 0.00 5376.00
15 Perundurai 4838.00 0.000 938.00 1500.00 0.00 7276.00
16 Satyamangalam 3362.00 0.00 4088.00 1836.00 250.00 9536.00
17 T.N.Palayam 4234.00 0.00 562.00 3795.00 0.00 8591.00
18 Thalavadi 0.00 0.00 2801.00 525.00 0.00 3326.00
19 Uthukuli 0.00 0.00 187.00 1146.00 0.00 1333.00
20 Vellakottai 4528.00 0.00 244.00 2299.00 0.00 7071.00
91904 228 14659 52474 1952 161217

1.5 Studies/Activities carried out by CGWB

The erstwhile Ground Water Wing of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has
carried out hydrogeological surveys in the district. With the assistance of Swedish
International Development Authority (SIDA), the Central Ground Water Board
(CGWB) completed a water balance project covering Noyil, Ponnani and Amaravathi
basins forming parts of and Erode district during the period July 1975 to December
1979. Detailed hydrological, hydrogeological, geophysical, Hydrochemical, soil and
water use, quantification of ground water recharge, draft, balance and long-term
reserves studies were undertaken in the above multi-disciplinary project.

Central Ground Water Board is also carrying out systematic Hydrogeological and
Ground Water Management studies and ground water monitoring. Geophysical
investigations for assessing the geo-electric characteristics of sub-surface litho-units
have also been done by Central Ground Water Board for selection and pin-pointing of
sites for exploratory drilling.

Central Ground Water Board took up ground water exploration for delineation of
aquifers and for assessing their yield characteristics by drilling of exploratory wells
during the period 69 exploratory wells, 18 observation wells and 5 piezometers in the
depth range of 25 to 300 m.bgl. Were drilled for this purpose in the district. In the
more recent past, Central Ground Water Board constructed 8 exploratory wells for
drought mitigation through out-sourcing. Under the World Bank Aided Hydrology
Project, the CGWB has constructed 30 purpose built observation wells (Piezometers)
down to depth ranging from 16.50 to 91.05 m bgl.

In additions, Central Ground Water Board has also carried out a number of short –
term water supply investigations in the district for various government agencies.

2.0 RAINFALLS AND CLIMATE

The district receives the rain under the influence of both southwest and northeast
monsoons. The northeast monsoon chiefly contributes to the rainfall in the district.
The southwest monsoon is also reasonable. During the winter and hot seasons, the
rainfall is scanty.

The normal annual rainfall over the district varies from about 575 mm to about 833
mm. It is the minimum in the southern and southeastern parts of the district around
Kodumudi (575.3 mm) Mulanur (581.0 mm) and Dharapuram (593.0 mm. It
gradually increases towards north and northwest and reaches a maximum around
Talavadi (833 mm).

The western part of the Erode district enjoys a salubrious climate because of the hilly
region, whereas the central and eastern parts of the district are hot and humid. The
cooler and pleasant climate prevails in the hilly regions. The weather is extremely
pleasant during the period from November to February both in the plains and on the
hills. Mornings in general are more humid than the afternoons. The relative humidity
varies from 65 to 87 percent during the northeast monsoon period between October
and November.

The hot weather begins early in March, the highest temperature being reached in April
and May. Highest temperatures are recorded during the months of April and May with
temperatures reaching 40°C. The weather in the plains during the summer i.e., from
April to June is generally dry and hot. Weather cools down progressively from about
the middle of June and by December. The night temperatures are the lowest in the
hills.

3.0 GEOMORPHYLOGY AND SOIL TYPES

3.1 Geomorphology

The Erode district forms part of the uplands of the state. Physiographically the district
can be divided into hilly area, the upland area and plains area. The prominent
geomorphic units identified in the district through interpretation of Satellite imagery
are 1) Structural hills, 2) Inselberg, 3) Ridges, 4) Valley fill, 5) Pediments, 6) Shallow
Pediments,.

The hilly area is represented by the Western Ghats in the northwestern part of the
district, the Biligiri Rangan hills in the north, Bodamalai Betta hills in the
northwestern parts and Konbattarayan hills in the north central part of the district.
Konbattarayan hill (1699 m above MSL) is the highest peak in the district while
Moyar Gorge is a picturesque gorge in the western Ghats through which Moyar river
traverses.

The Kongunadu uplands lie south of Bhavani river and the Lower Bhavani canal
passes through these uplands. Scattered hillocks and knolls of moderate elevations
occur within these uplands. The plains area is characterised by an undulating
topography with a general gradient due east and southeast. The plains are limited to
the east and southwestern border of the district. The plains west of Cauvery river are
known as Lower Cauvery plains.

3.2 Soils

The soils of Erode district can be broadly classified into 6 major soils types viz., Red
calcareous soil, Red non calcareous soil, Black Soil, Alluvial and Colluvial soils,
Brown soil and Forest soil. Major part of the district covered by red calcareous soils.
They are mostly sandy to loamy and characterised by the hard and compact layer of
lime. The red non-calcareous soils are seen in Erode, Perunthurai and
Gopichettioalayam taluks. The block soils are occurring as patches in four taluks.
Brown soil occupies only a small portion of Bhavani, Kangayam and
Gopichettipalayam taluks. Alluvial soils are fund in small patches along the Noyil and
Bhavani rivers and the Colluvial soils are found in the foothills of Western Ghats.
Forest soil is confined to the reserve forest area in northwestern part of the district,
where a surface layer of organic matter is present.

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology

Erode district is underlain entirely by Archaean Crystalline formations with Recent

alluvial deposits occurring along the river and streams courses and colluvium of
valley-fills. The important aquifer systems in the district are constituted by weathered,
fissured and fractured crystalline rocks and the recent alluvial deposits.

The porous formations in the district are represented by alluvium and colluvium. The
alluvial deposits are confined to the major river and stream courses only. Ground
water occurs under phreatic conditions. The maximum saturated thickness of these
aquifers is upto 5 m depending upon the topographic conditions. The area lying at the
foot hill zones which are seen in the northern parts of the district is underlain by the
colluvial material derived from the near by hill ranges comprising sands and gravels.
The maximum saturated thickness of these aquifers is upto 20 m depending upon the
topographic conditions. Ground water occurs under phreatic conditions.
The hard consolidated crystalline rocks of Archaean age represent weathered,
fissured and fractured formations of gneisses, granites, charnockites and other
associated rocks. Ground water occurs under phreatic conditions in the weathered
mantle and under semi-confined conditions in the fractured zones. The thickness of
the weathered mantle of the hard rocks is varying from less than a meter to as much as
30 m. It is within the depth of 20 m in major part of the district while in the western
and extreme north-north-eastern parts of the district, they are more than 20 m. The
depth of the wells ranged from 7.00 to 45.00 m bgl.

Dug wells have traditionally been the most common ground water abstraction
structures. The yields of dug wells used for irrigation ranging from 200 to 400 lpm for
drawdown varying from 1 to3 m for a pumping period of 2 to 4 hours. The yields of
dug wells are improved at favorable locations by construction of extension bores,
which are 40 to 75m. deep. In recent years, the declining water levels and reduction in
yields of wells are being observed due to increased extraction of ground water
through large number of bore wells for irrigation purposes.

The Specific capacity of large diameter wells tested in crystalline rocks from 10.04 to
227.5 lpm / m. of draw down. The transmissivity of weathered formations computed
from pumping test data using empirical methods range from 11.96 to 420 m2/day.

The yield of bore wells drilled down to a depth of 34 to 104 m, by various state
agencies mainly for domestic purposes ranged from 20 to 80 gpm. The yield of
successful bore wells drilled down to a depth of 300 m bgl during the ground water
exploration programme of Central Ground Water Board ranged from 0.078 to 27.00
lps. The aquifer and well parameters of the wells show wide variation

The depth to water level in the district varied between 1.76 and 35.69 m bgl during
pre-monsoon depth to water level (May 2006) and varied between 1.53 and 16.40 m
bgl during post monsoon depth to water level (Jan 2007).

The seasonal fluctuation shows a rise in water level, which ranges from 0.04 to 23.37
m bgl. The piezometric head varied between 1.35 to 9.40 m bgl (May 2006) during
premonsoon and G.L to 13.00 m bgl during post monsoon.

4.1.1 Long Term Fluctuation (1998-2007)

The long-term water level fluctuation for the period 1998-2007 indicates rise in water
level in the area 0.0335 - 0.6159 m/year. The fall in water level ranging between
0.0186 - 0.9738 m/year.

4.1.2 Aquifer Parameters

The Specific Capacity in the fissured formation ranges from 1.07 lpm/m to 970.6
lpm/m The wells recorded transmissivity values ranging from 0.053 to m2/ day to
457.25 m2/ day with low to very low permeability values.

4.2 Ground Water Resources

The ground water resources have been computed jointly by Central Ground Water
Board and State Ground & Surface Water Resources and Development Centre (PWD,
WRO, Government of Tamil Nadu) as on 31st March 2004. The salient features of the
computations are furnished below.
 Computation of Ground Water Resources of Salem District, Tamil Nadu ( 2004) (in ha.m)
( As per GEC 1997 Methodology)
Existing stage
Balance
Gross of
Ground
ground Allocation for Groun
Existing Water
Irrigatio water d
Domestic and Ground Available
n draft for Industrial Water Draft for Future water
Net Draft Domestic Requirement Devel Category
Ground January- Developme
& for next 25 opme (As in
Water nt
04 Industrial nt Jan 2004)
Years
Availabil Water
ity Supply
S.N Block Jan-04 Jan-04 Jan-04

1 Ammapet 5718.46 6400.56 237.66 245.85 6638.23 0.00 116 Over Exploited
2 Andhiyur 6964.60 7316.42 118.91 123.01 7435.33 0.00 107 Over Exploited
3 Bhavani 6210.36 3326.65 269.33 278.60 3595.98 2605.11 58 Safe
4 Bhavanisagar 3069.02 2768.78 123.94 128.20 2892.72 172.03 94 Critical
5 Chennimalai 3392.59 1441.17 172.61 178.55 1613.78 1772.87 48 Safe
6 Dharapuram 6800.80 3931.03 197.18 203.97 4128.21 2665.80 61 Safe
7 Erode 4300.32 494.79 502.48 519.78 997.27 3285.75 23 Safe
8 Gobichettipalayam 9816.75 5681.05 254.17 262.92 5935.22 3872.78 60 Safe
9 Kangeyam 3326.36 1856.48 162.86 168.47 2019.34 1301.41 61 Safe
10 Kodumudi 5943.88 2150.11 230.26 238.19 2380.38 3555.58 40 Safe
11 Kundadam 3836.64 1934.58 171.56 177.46 2106.14 1724.59 55 Safe
12 Modakurichi 8606.76 2013.32 277.39 286.94 2290.71 6306.50 27 Safe
13 Mulanur 3323.95 1965.71 139.77 144.58 2105.48 1213.66 63 Safe
14 Nambiyur 3782.41 3874.70 186.34 192.75 4061.04 0.00 107 Over Exploited
15 Perundurai 4499.07 3920.98 254.76 263.53 4175.74 314.56 93 Critical
16 Satyamangalam 6314.11 6054.83 76.33 78.96 6131.16 180.32 97 Critical
17 T.N.Palayam 5856.17 5090.87 141.19 146.05 5232.06 619.25 89 Semi Critical
18 Thalavadi 2255.30 2154.39 28.54 29.52 2182.93 71.39 97 Critical
19 Uthukuli 1537.62 913.79 158.93 164.41 1072.72 459.43 70 Safe
20 Vellakottai 3911.67 1969.58 186.89 193.32 2156.47 1748.77 55 Safe
District Total 99466.84 65259.78 3891.09 4025.07 69150.87 30181.99

4.3 Ground Water Quality

Ground water in phreatic aquifers in Erode district in general is colorless, odorless

and slightly alkaline in nature. The specific electrical conductance of ground water in
phreatic zone (in Micro Seimens at 25 o C) during May 2006 was in the range of 660
to 4080 in the district. It is between 750 and 2250 µS/cm at 25°C in the major part of
the district. Conductance below 750 µS/cm has been observed in ground water in only
one sample is Vellakottai whereas conductance exceeding 2250 µS/cm has been
observed at Pudupalayam, Bhavani and Vijayamangalam.
It is observed that the ground water is suitable for drinking and domestic uses in
respect of all the constituents except total Hardness and Nitrate.

Total Hardness as CaCo3 is observed to be in excess of permissible limits in about

32 percent of samples analysed, whereas Nitrate is found in excess of 45 mg/l in about
66 percent samples. The incidence of high total hardness is attributed to the
composition of lithounits constituting the aquifers in the district, whereas the nitrate
pollution is most likely due to the use of fertilizers for agriculture and other improper
waste disposal.

With regard to irrigation suitability based on specific electrical conductance and

sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), it is observed that ground water in the phreatic zone
may cause high to very high salinity hazard and medium to high alkali hazard when
used for irrigation. Proper soil management strategies are to be adopted in the major
part of the district while ground water foe irrigation.

4.4 Status of Ground Water Development

The estimation of groundwater resources for the district has shown that 3 blocks are
over exploited and 3 blocks are under “critical” category.

Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board is the Government agency
responsible for providing drinking water supplies to the urban and rural populace in
the district. The water requirements of the habitations are met with either through
surface water sources or through various Mini Water Supply Schemes or Integrated
water supply schemes utilising the available ground water resources. The status of
urban and rural water supply in the district is furnished below

Total Number of Rural Habitants : 5092

Not Covered : 26 (0-9 Lpcd)
Partly Covered : 2489 (10-39 Lpcd)
Fully Covered : 2577 (40 Lpcd and above)
The habitants of 10 Municipalities of the district are provided with 70 - 90 Lpcd water
and the habitants 24 town Panchayats and 30 rural Panchayats are provided with 30 –
70 and 40 – 70 Lpcd water respectively.

Dug wells have traditionally been the most common ground water abstraction
structures used for irrigation in the district, with yields ranging from <50 to 200
m3/day in weathered crystalline rocks and up to 400 m3/day in Recent alluvial and
colluvial formations along major drainage courses and valleys.

5.0 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

5.1 Groundwater Development

In view of the comparatively high level of ground water development in the major
part of the district and the quality problems due to geogenic and anthropogenic
factors, it is necessary to exercise caution while planning further development of
available ground water resources in the district.

The development of ground water for irrigation in the district is mainly through dug
wells tapping the weathered residuum. The yields of dug wells are improved at
favorable locations by construction of extension bores, which are 40 to 75 m deep.
Bore wells have also become popular as the source for irrigation in the district in
recent years. Dug wells with extension bores wherever necessary is ideal for hard rock
areas. The map showing the development prospects for the district is shown in Plate
VI.

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

On the basis of experimental studies, it has been found that desilting of existing tanks
followed by percolation pond with recharge wells, recharge shafts are economical.
Accordingly, computations have been made for Drought Prone Area Programme
(DPAP). Over exploited and Critical blocks in the districts warranting immediate
attention. A summary giving the availability of surface run off, number of structures
feasible and cost estimates for the schemes is provided in the table.

There is considerable scope for implementation of roof – top rainwater harvesting in

the district. Recharge pits / Shafts / trenches of suitable design are ideal structures for
rainwater harvesting in such areas. Free technical guidance for implementation of
rooftop rain water harvesting schemes is also being provided by Central Ground
Water Board.

6.0 GROUNDWATER RELATED ISSUES & PROBLEMS

The ground water development in the district, in general, is moderate when compared
to many other districts in the state. As many as 3 out of 20 blocks in the district have
been categorised as either ‘OVEREXPLOITED’ or ‘DARK’. The trend analysis of
historical ground water level data also indicates a long-term fall in a part of the
district. Based on the factors mentioned, it is inferred that a part of the district could
be considered vulnerable to various environmental impacts of water level depletion
such as declining ground water levels, drying up of shallow wells, decrease in yield of
bore wells and increased expenditure and power consumption for drawing water from
progressively greater depths.

The ground water pollution in this district is due to the indiscriminate discharge of
untreated effluents from the textiles dyeing, bleaching processing and tanneries units,
which are concentrated at Erode, Bhavani, Chennimalai and Vellakoil towns and their
environs. This has affected the quality of the formation in the shallow aquifers,
thereby rendering unsuitable for drinking purposes.

Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides in the areas with intensive irrigation
practices has also reportedly resulted in localised enrichment of nitrate and other
harmful chemicals in the ground water, especially in the phreatic zone.
Incidence of fluoride in ground water in excess of permissible limits for drinking has
been reported from parts of the district, especially from the fracture zone. The source
of fluoride in ground water is the fluoride-bearing minerals present in the granitic
gneisses and granites, which underlie in the area.

7.0 AREA NOTIFIED BY CGWA/SGWA

Central Ground Water Authority has not notified any area in the district. Government
of Tamil Nadu vide G.O.No. 53 has banned groundwater development for irrigation
in the over exploited blocks of Tamil Nadu. The over exploited blocks in this district
are Ammapet – E, Andhiyur, Nambiyur.

8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
As the development of ground water has already reached an alarming stage in some of
the blocks, further development of ground water for creation of additional irrigation
potential has to be carried out with extreme caution.

Necessary measures for regulation of ground water abstraction from over-exploited

and critical blocks may be initiated without further delay.

Detailed studies on the extent of pollution by industrial units in the district may be
taken up to assess the damage to the ground water resources in the area and to
understand the migration of pollutants. A network of observation wells may be
established in the area to monitor the water quality on a regular basis.

Artificial recharge of ground water through cost-effective rainwater harvesting

systems may be popularised in the district by providing incentives to
individuals/communities embarking upon such initiatives. A concerted effort
involving various Government agencies and NGOs can create the necessary
awareness among the rural masses.

Steps be taken up to evolve suitable measures for desilting the existing irrigation
tanks and supply channels to improve their longevity and for augmenting the storage
of rain waters which in turn will induce the ground water recharge.
 LEGEND PLATE FOR -VI

DISTRICT – ERODE

Depth of Well Discharge Suitable Artificial

Wells Feasible Rigs Suitable
(M) (LPM) Recharge Structures
Dug Well Manual 15 - 20 10 - 60 Check Dams/ Gully Plug
Bore Well DTH 60 – 150 20 – 100
Hard Rock Aquifer
Dug Well Manual 15 - 20 60 – 100 Check Dams/ Farm Pond
Bore Well Dth 75 - 180 80 – 120 /Gully Plug
Hard Rock Aquifer

Dug Well Manual 15 - 20 100 – 200 Check Dams/ Farm Pond

Bore Well Dth 75 - 180 100 - 250 /Gully Plug
Hard Rock Aquifer
State Boundary District Boundary

Hilly Area Block Boundary

District Headquarter Block Headquarters

5 Water Level-Pre-Monsoon (Decadal Mean 1250 EC In Microsiemens / Cm At 25°C

1993-2002) Mbgl

River Lineament

Fluoride Greater Than Maximum Nitrate Greater Than Maximum Permissible

Permissible Limit (1.5 mg/L) Limit (45 mg/L)

R Recommended Site For Artificial Recharge

Structure

OTHER INFORMATION

Geographical Area 8162 Sq. Km.

No. of Blocks 20
Cauvery, Bhavani, Noyil, Vattamalai Karai, Uppar Odai &
Major Drainage
Nangangi
Population (2001) 25,74,067

Average Annual Rainfall 666 Mm

Annual Range Of Temperature 26 –37°C

Regional Geology Hard Rocks: Charnockite, Hornblend Biotite Gneiss & Granite

Net Ground Water Availability for Future Irrigation 313 MCM/Yr

Stage of Ground Water Development( As On march 2004) 69 %

Name of Blocks showing Intensive Ground Water Development v. Over-Exploited: Ammapet, Andhiyur & Nambiyr

Critical: Bhavanisagar, Sathiyamangalam & Talavadi ,

Published by : Regional Director, CGWB, SECR, E-1, Rajaji Bhavan, Besant Nagar, Chennai-90

+914424912941/24914494
/Fax : 91 4424914334 Web: www.cgwb.gov.in
 rdsecr-cgwb@nic.in