For official use

Technical Report Series

DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE

NILGIRI 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 (NILGIRI DISTRICT)

S.NO ITEMS STATISTICS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
i. Geographical area (Sq. Km) 2544.85
ii. Administrative Divisions AS on (31-3-2007)
Number of Tehsils 06
Number of Blocks 04
Number of Villages 55
iii. Population (As on 2001 Censes)
Total Population 762141
Male Population 378351
Female Population 383790

iv. Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 1920 (1901 - 1950)

2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
i. Major physiographic Units Mountainous district divided in
to Nilgiri plateau, Nilgiri -
Wayanad Plateau, Sigur plateau
and outer slops facing the plain.
ii. Major Drainages Moyar, Sigur, Kethar halla
Coonoor, Kundha, Pykkara, and
Kateri.
3. LAND USE (Sq. Km)
i. Forest area 1425.77
ii. Net area sown 810.00
iii. Cultivable waste 20.18
4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES Lateritic soil, Red sandy soil,
Red loam, black soil, Alluvial
and Colluvial soil.
5. AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS IN Ha. 1.Tea - 58563 (72.23%)
(AS ON 31.3.2007) 81079 2.Veg. &Fruits- 8082 (9.96%)
3.Coffee - 7940 (9.79%)
4.Spices - 4556 (5.62%)
5.Paddy – 1430 (1.76%)
6. IRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES Number Area irrigated
i. Dug wells 770 534
ii. Tube wells/ Bore wells Nil Nil
iii. Tanks/Ponds Nil Nil
iv. Canals 01 07
v. Other Sources NA 209
vi. Net irrigated area 750
vii. Cross irrigated area 750
7. NUMBERS OF GROUND WATER
MONITORING STATIONWELLS OF
CGWB (AS ON 2007)
i. No of dug wells 08
 ii. No of piezometers Nil
8. PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL Alluvium, Colluvium, Laterite,
FORMATIONS Granites, Dolerites, Quartzite,
Charnockites and Gneisses,
Schists.
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
i. Major water bearing formations Alluvium, Colluvium, Laterite,
weathered, fractured and
fissured Crystalline rocks.
ii. Pre- monsoon depth to water level (2006) 1.20 – 17.06
iii. Pre- monsoon depth to water level (2006) 1.28 - 16.60
iv. Long term water level trend in 10 years (1997- Rise (m/year) Fall (m/year)
2006) in m/yr Min.-0.1249 Min.-0.0030
Max.-0.2327 Max.-0.1213
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY
CGWB (As on 31-03-2007)
i. Number of Exploratory wells drilled Nil
ii. Number of Observation wells drilled Nil
iii. Number of Piezometers drilled under 01
Hydrology Project
iv. Depth range (m) NA
v. Discharge (Litres per second) NA
vi. Storativity (S) NA
vii. Transmissivity (m2/day) NA
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY
i. Presence of chemical constituents more than
permissible limit
ii. Type of water
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES
(2004) in mcm
i. Annual Replenishable Ground Water 116.39
Resources
ii. Net Annul Ground Water Draft 4.54
iii. Projected demand for Domestic and Industrial 3.54
Uses upto 2025
iv. Stage of Ground Water Development (%) 7.5
13. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY
i. Mass Awareness Programmes Organized
Date Nil
Place Nil
No of Participants Nil
ii. Water Management Training Organized
Date Nil
Place Nil
No of Participants Nil
14. EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE &
RAINWATER HARVESTING
i. Projects completed by CGWB Nil
Number of structures
Amount spent
ii. Projects under technical guidance of CGWB Nil
Number of structures
15. GROUND WATER CONTROL AND
REGULATION
i. Number of OE Blocks Nil
ii. Number of Critical Blocks Nil
iii. Number of Blocks Notified Nil
16. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS 1) Declining of ground water
AND ISSUS level and drying of shallow
wells.
2) Large scale deforestation,
rapid and unplanned industrial
and agricultural development
brought an imbalance in the
environment, particularly in
climate.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Administrative Details

Nilgiri district is divided into 6 taluks. The taluks are further divided into 4 blocks,
which further divided into 55 revenue villages.

Administrative Set-up of Nilgiri District

S.No Taluk Area No.of Block Area No.of
(Sq.km) Villages (Sq.km) Villages

1 Udhagamandalam 88002 12 Udhagamandalam 119764 20

2 KJundha 31762 08 Coonoor 22884 08
3 Coonoor 22884 08 Kothagiri 39665 15
4 Kothagiri 39665 15 Gudalur 72172 12
5 Gudalur 50664 08
6 Pandalur 21508 04
District Total 254485 55 254485
(Source: Office of the Assistant Director of Statistics, Nilgiri)

1.2 Basin and sub-basin

The district is falling in part of east flowing Cauvery river basin as per the Irrigation
Atlas of India. Moyar, Bhavani, Kethar halla are the important sub basins. The district
is further sub divided into number of minor basins.

1.3 Drainage

The Nilgiri district is drained by a number of streams originating from the number of
peaks available in the district. Among the major rivers Moyar river flows in an
easterly direction and is bordering the northern boundary of the district. Sigur and
Pykara are the major streams of Moyar river. Number of minor streams joins this river
from north – northwest and south directions.

The Bhavani river originates in Bhavaniar Betta and flows southwest ward and swings
southwards. The Khuda river drains southern part of the district which, joins Bhavani
river in the south. The Katteri is another minor river, which flows eastwards and joins
the Bhavani river.

The river Kethar halla is flowing in the northern direction. Most of the rivers in
Nilgiri plateau have been harnessed by drawing them at several points under the
Kunda, mukurthi, Pykara, Chalatti, Puzhe and Moyar Hydro- electric schemes.

1.4 Irrigation practices

The nine - fold land use classification for the district is given below (2005 -
2006)
 Sl.No Classification Hectares
1 Forests 142577
2 Barren & Uncultivable Lands 3375
3 Land put to non agricultural uses 9975
4 Cultivable Waste 2018
5 Permanent Pastures & other grazing lands 5078
6 Groves not included in the area sown 3538
7 Current Fallows 5069
8 Other Fallow Lands 1855
9 Net Area sown 81000
Total 254485
(Source: Department of Economics & Statistics, Govt. of Tamil Nadu)

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 Coonoor 0.00 0.00 0.00 434.00 68.00 502.00
2 Gudalur 0.00 0.00 0.00 98.00 140.00 238.00
3 Kotagiri 7.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 9.00
4 Udhagamandalam 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 1.00
District Total 7.00 0.00 0.00 534.00 209.00 750.00

(Source: Department of Economics & Statistics, Govt. of Tamil Nadu)

The data available indicate that an area of about 750 ha, which is about 0.30 percent
of the total geographical area of the district is under irrigated agriculture. Dug wells
are the major source of water for irrigation in the district, accounting for about 71.20
percent of the total area irrigated in the district. Other sources and canals accounting
for about 27.80 and 0.93 percent respectively. It is observed that the well irrigation is
the highest in Coonoor block followed by block Gudalur.

1.5 Studies/Activities carried out by CGWB

The Geological Survey of India carried out Water supply investigations during 1971.
Preliminary ground water surveys were taken up by Natarajan (1982) and Varadaraj
(1983) of Central Ground Water Board.

Central Ground Water Board is also carrying out systematic Hydrogeological and
Ground Water Management studies and ground water monitoring. Central Ground
Water Board conducted geophysical investigations for Water supply investigations.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 rainfall both in southwest and northeast monsoons. The
southwest monsoon is more active contributing nearly 50 percent in the west and 40
percent in the east. The northeast monsoon is moderate, contributing nearly 40
percent. The precipitation of rainfall gradually decreases towards decreases from west
to east. The rains during the winter and summer periods are significant.

Rainfall data from four stations over the period 1901-1950 were utilised and a perusal
of the analysis shows that the normal annual rainfall of the district is 1920 mm. It is
minimum around ootacamund (1376.20 mm) in the eastern part of the district. It
gradually increases towards west and attains a maximum around Gudalur (2269.00
mm)..

The climate of Nilgiri district is temperate and salubrious throughout the year.
Mornings in general are more humid than the afternoons, with the humidity exceeding
90%. In the period June to November the afternoon humidity exceeds 85 % on an
average. In the rest of the year the afternoons are low, the summer afternoons being
the lowest.

High elevation of this district is result in low temperature, which is further lowered by
the excessive moisture content of the atmosphere resulting from the exhalation by the
vegetation. The day temperature in the district ranges from 22.1°C in summer to
5.1°C in winter. The night temperature touches 0°C in some times. The summer
begins early in March, the highest temperature being reached in April and May.
Weather cools down progressively from about the middle of June and by January, the
mean daily maximum temperature drops to 5.1°C.

3.0 GEOMORPHYLOGY AND SOIL TYPES

3.1 Geomorphology

Nilgiri district is a mountainous district of Tamil Nadu with many hill ranges and
broad valleys with slopping towards plain.

The prominent geomorphic units identified in the district through interpretation of

Satellite imagery are 1) Structural hills, 2) Ridges, 3) Valley fills, 4) Pediments, 5)
Shallow Pediments, 6) Deep Pediments and 7) Hill top valley 8) Erosional plains.

The Nilgiri hills rise abruptly from the plains (300 m. above MSL) to an average
elevation of 1370 m. above MSL. Some of the prominent peaks are the Dodda Betta
(2632 m), the highest peak in TamilNadu, Kolari (2625 m), Mukurthi (2554 m),
Kudikadu (2590.m), and Deva Betta (2552 m), the conical grass covered Der Betta
and Bear hill (2531 m) and Nilgiri peak.

3.2 Soils

The soils of Nilgiri district can be broadly classified into 5 major soils types viz.,
Lateritic soil, Red sandy soil, Red loam, black soil, Alluvial and Colluvial soil. Major
part of the district covered by Lateritic soil. The Red sandy soil and Red loams are
occurring as small patches. Block soil is developed in the valleys; where the water
logging is also common during the monsoon period. The alluvial and colluvial soils
are seen along the Valleys and major river courses respectively.

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology

Nilgiri district is underlain entirely by Archaean Crystalline formations with Recent

alluvial and colluvial deposits. The occurrence and movement of ground water are
controlled by various factors such as physiography, climate, geology and structural
features. Weathered, fissured and fractured crystalline rocks and the Recent alluvial
and colluvial formations constitute the important aquifer systems in the district.

The porous formations in the district are represented by alluvium, colluvium. The
alluvial deposits comprising sand with admixtures of silt and clay are confined to the
major river and stream courses only. It has been reported that the wells tapping river
alluvium remain dry during drought years and in the year of less rainfall. The
colluvial materials comprising the sands and gravels are seen in the valley portions.
Ground water is developed by dug wells and occurs under phreatic conditions. The
depth range of these shallow aquifers ranging from 5.00 to 20 m.

The crystalline rocks of gneisses and charnockites represent weathering, fissures and
fractures. 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 is varying from less than a meter to as much as 20.00 m. The depth of the
wells ranged from 5.00 to 15.00 m bgl. The weathered mantle followed by the jointed
and fractured rocks constitute the shallow water table aquifer and it occurs in the
major part of the district with in the depth of 20 – 25 m in general.

The Specific capacity of large diameter wells tested in crystalline rocks varying from
100 to 200 lpm / m. of draw down. The saturated thickness of the aquifer varies from
2 to 5 m only. The yield characteristics of wells vary considerably depending on the
topographic set-up, lithology and the degree of weathering.
The yield of bore wells drilled down to a depth of 45 to 100 m, by various state
agencies mainly for domestic purposes ranged from 60 to 100 lpm.

The depth to water level in the district varied between 1.20 and 17.06 m bgl during
pre-monsoon (May 2006) and it varied between 1.28 and 16.60 m bgl during post
monsoon (Jan 2007). The seasonal fluctuation shows a rise in water level in the range
of 0. 35 to 3.05 m bgl and fall in the range 0.08 to0.73 m bgl. The piezometric head is
2.48 m bgl during pre monsoon (May 2006) and 2.94 bgl during post (Jan 2007).

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 range of 0.1249- 0.2327m/year. The fall in water level ranging between
0.0030 and 0.1213 m/year.
4.1.2 Aquifer Parameters

The CGWB has not taken up the ground water exploration by drilling in the district so
far on scientific lines. Govt of Tamilnadu has drilled few bore wells with depth
ranging from 45.00 to100.00 for drinking water purpose. Potential fracture zones are
identified at depths by this drilling. Ground water occurs under semi -confined to
confined condition in the deeper fractures.

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)

Existing Balance
Gross stage of
Existing Ground
ground Allocation Ground
Ground Water
Irrigatio water for water
Water Available for
n draft for Domestic and Develop Category
Draft Future (As in
Net Draft Domestic Industrial ment
Development Jan 2004)
Ground January & Requirement
Water -04 Industrial for next 25
Availabi Water Years
lity Supply
S.N Block Jan-04 Jan-04 Jan-04
1 Coonoor 1839.36 0.00 84.93 87.94 84.93 1751.42 5 Safe
2 Gudalur 6308.76 62.46 98.63 102.13 161.10 6144.16 3 Safe
3 Kotagiri 2826.76 0.00 85.95 89.00 85.95 2737.76 3 Safe
4 Udhagamandalam 664.22 54.27 71.32 73.85 125.59 536.10 19 Safe
District Total 11639.1 116.74 340.83 352.93 457.57 11169.44
4.3 Ground Water Quality

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

and predominantly 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 116 to 700 in the district. In the major part of the district electrical
conductivity is below 500µS/cm- ¹.

It is observed that in major part of the district, the ground water is suitable for
drinking and domestic uses in respect of all the constituents. All the constituents are
within the permissible limit of drinking water limits except nitrate exceeding the limit
in 15 percent of the analysed samples.

With regard to irrigation suitability based on specific electrical conductance and

sodium Absorption Rasio (SAR), it is observed that groundwater in the phreatic zone
is suitable for irrigation for all soil types. No salinity or alkali hazard is expected
when ground water is used for irrigation purposes.

4.4 Status of Ground Water Development

The estimation of groundwater resources for the district has shown that all the 4
blocks are falling under Safe 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 : 1034

Not Covered : 1 (0-9 Lpcd)
Partly Covered : 292 (10-39 Lpcd)
Fully Covered : 741 (40 Lpcd and above)

The habitants of 4 Municipalities of the district are provided with 40 - 90 Lpcd water
and the habitants of 11 town Panchayats are provided with 55 – 70 Lpcd water.

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
formations along major drainage courses.

5.0 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

5.1 Groundwater Development

In view of the comparatively low level of ground water development (7.5 %) of the
district more numbers of irrigation wells can be constructed at suitable locations.
Proper water management methods must be adopted for further development of
available ground water resources in the district.

The development of ground water for irrigation in the district is only through dug
wells tapping the weathered residuum or recent alluvial deposits. Dug wells with
extension bores wherever necessary is ideal for hard rock areas whereas large
diameter dug wells with radials is suitable for alluvial and Colluvial areas. The map
showing the development prospects for the district is shown in Plate VI.

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

The topography of Nilgiri district, in general, is suited for construction of various

artificial recharge structures such as check dams and sub-surface dykes. The
following criteria have to be analysed for identification of area suitable for
implementation of artificial recharge schemes.

i) Hydrological and hydrogeological data of various aquifer systems.

ii) Long-term behaviour of ground water levels.
iii) Rainfall and run-off characteristics.
iv) Geology and geomorphology.
v) Lineament pattern & density.
vi) Drainage characteristics.
vii) Soils and land-use.
viii) Slope.

The exact locations of these structures, however, are to be decided on the basis of
detailed field investigations

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
rain water harvesting in such areas. Free technical guidance for implementation of
roof-top rain water harvesting schemes is also being provided by Central Ground
Water Board.

6.0 GROUNDWATER RELATED ISSUES & PROBLEMS

The trend analysis of historical ground water level data indicates a long-term fall in
few locations of the district. Declining ground water levels of shallow wells also
noticed in few locations.

There is no ground water Pollution due to industrial effluents is Nilgiri district. Slight
industrial pollution of surface and ground water has been noticed at one or two places
in the district.

7.0 AWARENESS & TRAINING ACTIVITY

7.1 Mass Awareness Campaign (MAP) & Water Management Training
Programme (WMTP) by CGWB
Nil

7.2 Participation in Exhibition, Mela, Fair Etc.

Nil

Presentation & Lectures delivered in Public Forum/Radio/TV/Institution of

Repute/Grass roots association/NGO/Academic Institutions etc
Nil

8.0 AREA NOTIFIED BY CGWA/SGWA

Central Ground Water Authority has not notified any area in the district, since all the
four blocks are falling in Safe Category.
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
As the development of ground water very low in all the four blocks further
development of ground water more additional irrigation potential has to be created.
Proper water management methods must be adopted for further development of
available ground water resources in the district.

A network of observation wells may be established in the urban areas 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.
 LEGEND FOR PLATE - VI

DISTRICT – NILGIRI

Depth Of Discharge Suitable Artificial

Wells Feasible Rigs Suitable
Well (M) (LPM) Recharge Structures
Dug Well Manual 6–8 20 Check Dam/ Gully
Plugging/ Gabion
Hard Rock Aquifer Structures
Dug Well Manual 6–8 50 - 100 Check Dam/ Gully
Bore Well Calyx\DTH 40 - 75 Plugging/ Gabion
Hard Rock Aquifer Structures
Dug Well Manual 5–8 60 - 120 Check Dam/ Gully
Bore Well Calyx\DTH 40 - 75 Plugging/Gabion
Hard Rock Aquifer Structures
State Boundary District Boundary

Hilly Area Block Boundary

District Headquarters Block Headquarters

River Lineament

R Recommended Site For Artificial Recharge

Structure

OTHER INFORMATION

Geographical Area 2549 Sq.Km

Number Of Blocks 4

Major Drainage Moyar, Sigur, Pykara, Bhavani, Kundha, Kotagiri & Kallar

Population (2001) 7,64,826

Average Annual Rainfall 1202 To 3882 Mm

Annual Range Of Temperature 9 - 22°C

Regional Geology Hard Rocks: Charnockite, Biotite Gneiss & Magnetite

Net Ground Water Availability For Future Irrigation 112 MCM/Yr

Stage Of Ground Water Development As On January 2003 4%

Names Of Blocks Showing Intensive Ground Water Development Nil