For official use

Technical Report
Series

DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE

RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

A.BALACHANDRAN, SCIENTIST-D

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

April 2009
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DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
(RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT)

S.NO ITEMS STATISTICS

1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
i. Geographical area (Sq. km) 4089. 57
ii. Administrative Divisions as on 31-3-2007
Number of Taluks 7
Number of Blocks 11
Number of Villages 400
iii. Population (as on 2001 Censes)
Total Population 1187604
Male 583376
Female 604228

iv. Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 827

2.
GEOMORPHOLOGY
i. Major physiographic Units Vast Plain with tidal lakes giving
rise to Bird Foot Delta, Flood
Plain, Beach Ridge Complex
comprising sand dunes, swamps
and backwaters and Shallow
Buried Pediments
ii. Major Drainages Gundar, Vaigai & Kottakaraiyar
3. LAND USE (Sq. km) during 2005-06
i. Forest area 44.88
ii. Net area sown 1855.63
iii. Cultivable waste 42.54
4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES Sandy Soil, Black Clayey Soil, &
Red Ferruginous soil
5. AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS Paddy 127395 (69%)
(AS ON 2005-2006) Groundnut 7996 (4%)
Pulses 2738 (2%)
6. IRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (During 2005-06) Number Area irrigated (Ha)
i. Dug wells 7736 11070
ii. Tube wells 310 443
iii. Tanks 1694 57034
iv. Canals Nil Nil
vi. Net irrigated area 68547 Ha
vii. Gross irrigated area 68547 ha
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7. NUMBERS OF GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS OF CGWB

(AS ON 31.03.2007)
i. No of dug wells 23
ii. No of piezometers 3
8. PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL Recent Alluvium, Laterite
FORMATIONS Cuddalore Sandstones &
Crystalline rock (Quartzite,
Gnessic complex, Hornblende
granite).
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
i. Major water bearing formations Sandstone, Limestone &
weathered & fractured Gnessic
rocks.
ii. Pre- monsoon depth to water level (May 2006) 0.95 – 8.80 m bgl
iii. Post- monsoon depth to water level (Jan’2007) 0.76 – 8.42. m bgl
iv. Long term water level trend in 10 years (1998- Annual
2007) in m/yr
Rise (m/year) Fall (m/year)

Min : 0.0102 Min : 0.0133

Max :0.3331 Max :1.2420
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY CGWB (As on 31-03-2007)
i. Number of Exploratory wells 43
ii. Number of Observation wells 13
iii. Number of Piezometers under Hydrology 03
Project.
iv. Depth range(m) 26 – 777
v. Discharge(lps) 2.8– 75
vi. Storativity (S) 2.722 x 10-5 –8.0 x 10-3
vii. Transmissivity (m2/day) 7 – 630
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY
AS ON MAY 2006
i. Presence of chemical constituents more than TH as CaCO3, NO3 &, F
permissible limit
ii. Type of water NaCl , Na HCO3 , CaHCO3
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES
(as on 31.03.2004) in MCM
i. Annual Replenishable Ground Water Resources 335.41
ii. Total Annul Ground Water Draft for all purposes 123.65
iii. Projected demand for Domestic and Industrial 9.64
Uses up to 2025
iv. Stage of Ground Water Development 36.86 %
13. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY
i. Mass Awareness Programmes Organized Nil
ii. Water Management Training Organized Nil
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14. EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE & Technical Guidance were

RAINWATER HARVESTING provided as when sought
i. Projects completed by CGWB in IX th five
Rainwater Harvesting in
year plan (RWH Structures ) collectorate complex,
ii Amount spent Ramanathapuram
Rs 14.200 (Lakhs)
15. GROUND WATER CONTROL AND REGULATION
i. Number of OE Blocks Nil
ii. Number of Critical Blocks 1
iii. Number of Blocks Notified Nil
16. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND 1. The formation water is
ISSUES. brackish to saline below 6-9 m
bgl in coastal part of the
district and freshwater floats
over as lenses.
2. The occurrence of saline
aquifers even at different
depths except for the
Tiruvadanai aquifer makes the
area water scarce.
3. The presence of poor quality
formation water makes the
recharge to aquifer futile and
ooranis are the best-suited
structures to increase the water
availability. In the area.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Administrative Details

Ramanathapuram district is divided into 7 taluks. The taluks are further divided into 11
blocks, which further divided into 400 villages.

S.No. Taluk Area in No.of Block No.of

Hectares Villages Villages
1 Paramakudi 73794 34 Paramakudi 34
2 Rameswaram 9048 59 Bogalur 23
Nainarkovil 36
3 Ramanathapuram 77499 69 Ramanathapuram 25
Mandapam 19
Tiruppullani 25
4 Tiruvadanai 81461 98 Tiruvadanai 57
R.S.Mangalam 41
5 Mudukulathur 48085 38 Mudukulathur 38
6 Kadaladi 61223 53 Kadaladi 53
7 Kamuthi 57847 49 Kamuthi 49
Total 408957 400 400

1.2 Basin and sub-basin

The district is part of the composite east flowing river basin,“Between Gundar and
Vaigai” as per the Irrigation Atlas of India. Virusuliaru, Kottakkarai, and
Rameswaram Island are the important Sub-basins/Watershads.

1.3 Drainage

The major part of Ramanathapuram district falls in Gundar-Vaigai river basin. Vaigai
and Gundar are the important rivers and in addition, Virusuli, Kottakariyar & Uppar
are the other rivers draining the district. The drainage pattern, in general, is dendritic.
All the rivers are seasonal and carry substantial flows during monsoon period.

Vaigai., which is one of the important rivers of the district, which is flow and drain in
the Paramakudi, Bogalur, Tirupullani and Mandapam blocks. The Gundar river
originates in Kottamalai hills in the Saptura forest and enters the district near
Anankulam and flows in a south –eastern to due south direction and enters the Bay of
Bengal neare Mukaiyur. The river assumes the name of “ Reghunatha Cauveri “ from
Kamudhi.

The Kottakarai, Virusuli and Uppar are other rivers flowing in south easterly direction
and entering the Bay of Bengal.
1.4 Irrigation Practices
The nine-fold lands use classification for the district is given below.(2005-06)

S.No Classification Area (Ha)

1 Forests 4488
2 Barren & Uncultivable Lands 4591
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S.No Classification Area (Ha)

3 Land put to non agricultural uses 84483
4 Cultivable Waste 4245
5 Permanent Pastures & other grazing lands 154
6 Groves not included in the area sown 41210
7 Current Fallows 27784
8 Other Fallow Lands 56439
9 Net Area sown 185563
Total 408957
(Source: Department of Economics & Statistics, Govt. of Tamil Nadu)

The chief irrigation sources in the area are the tanks, wells and tube/bore wells. 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
bore wells Sources Area
wells irrigated
1 Paramakudi - 5529 170 590 0 6289
2 Bogalur - 3134 40 194 0 3368
3 Nainarkovil - 3676 42 743 0 4461
4 Ramanathapuram - 4541 0 424 0 4965
5 Mandapam - 121 0 3638 0 3759
6 Tiruppullani - 2850 0 3278 0 6128
7 Tiruvadanai - 8605 90 25 0 8720
8 R.S.Mangalam - 9405 8 12 0 9425
9 Mudukulathur - 4787 90 809 0 5686
10 Kadaladi - 9151 3 433 0 9587
11 Kamuthi - 5235 0 924 0 6159
Total - 57034 443 11070 0 68547
(Source: Department of Economics & Statistics, Govt. of Tamil Nadu)

1.5 Studies/Activities carried out by CGWB

Central Ground Water Board carried out the Systematic hydrogelogical surveys in the
district during the period between 1975 - 76, 1978 – 79 and 1987 - 88 Reappraisal
hydrogelogical surveys were conducted during the period of 1992 – 93.

Under the drought relief Programme (DRP) drilled the bore holes ranging in depth
from 221to 490 m bgl during the period 1977-78. The board under its programme of
deep exploration of Vaigai basin, drilled 3 bore holes ranging in depth from 384.45 to
777.00 during 1981-82. As a part of Technology mission programme for drinking
water purpose drilled 20 exploratory wells and 7 observation wells during 1978 to
1989 and 24 wells on deposit basis ranging from 56 to 474 m.bgl for TWAD Board
for their drinking water programmes. The board as a part of its ground water
exploration programme to assess the brine water potential has drilled 6 EW and 4 Ow
ranging in depth from28 to 200 m bgl in the district.

CGWB is monitoring the groundwater regime for the changes in water level and water
 6

quality through 23 dug wells and 3 piezometers. The monitoring of water levels are
carried out during May (Pre monsoon), August (Middle of south west monsoon),
November (post south west monsoon & initial stage of north east monsoon) &
January (Post North east monsoon) to study the impact of rainfall on groundwater
regime. Water samples are collected during May for determining the changes in
chemical quality of groundwater.
2.0 RAINFALL 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.
Most of the precipitation occurs in the form of cyclonic stoms caused due to the
depressions in Bay of Bengal. The southwest monsoon rainfall is highly erratic and
summer rains are negligible. Rainfall data from two stations over the period 1901-
2000 were utilised and a perusal of the data shows that the normal annual rainfall over
the district is 827mm with the maximum around Pamban and all along the coast and it
decreases towards inland.

The district enjoys a Tropical climate. The period from May to June is generally hot
and dry. The weather is pleasant during the period from December to January. Usually
mornings are more humid than afternoons. The relative humidity is on an average
between 79 and 84%. The mean minimum temperature is 25.7°C and mean
maximum daily temperature is 30.6°C respectively.
3.0 GEOMORPHYLOGY AND SOIL TYPES
3.1 Geomorphology
Ramanathapuram district has a long coastline of around 260 km. The coastal areas are
flanked by Beach ridge complex-sand dunes, swales, swamps and backwater. The
sand flat is another feature of the coast comprising of clays and silts, often inundated
by seawater and encrsted with salt. Other features are the shallow pediment plain of
Kamdhi, parts of Paramakudi and Tiruvadanai taluks with thin veneer of soil cover
over weathered hornblende gneiss, laterite and the buried pediments.

3.2 Soils

Soils in the area have been classified into i) Black Clayey soil, ii) Sandy soil and iii)
Red –ferruginous soil.

In the Ramanathapuram district, majority of the area is covered by Black Clayey soil
type. These soils are mostly black or black to brownish in colour and are found in
parts of Ramanathapuram, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Tiruvadanai and Mudukulathur
blocks. Sand occur in flat elevation along the Rameshwaram and Kadaladi blocks,
Alluvial soils occur along the river courses of Vaigai and Gundar river covering in
the blocks Paramakudi, Tiruvadanai and Muthukulayhur. The Red ferruginous soil of
the Chettinad plains occurs as few pockets around Paramakudi and Tiruvadanai
blocks.
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4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology
The district is underlain by both porous and fissured formations. . The important
aquifer systems in the district are constituted by i) unconsolidated & semi-
consolidated formations and ii) weathered and fractured crystalline rocks

The porous formations can be grouped into three aquifer groups, viz., Cretaceous
sediments, Tertiary Sediments and Quaternary Sediments. The cretaceous aquifer is
semi confined to confined in nature and consists of two zones. The top unit comprises
fossiliferous sandstone red in colour and compact in nature, while the bottom is
pinkish or grayish sandstone intercalated with shales. The aquifers are characterized
by freshwater and occurs at the depth range of 116-407 and 205-777 m bgl and has
thickness in the range of 68 to 535 m. The aquifer is made up of compact sandstone
and the potential is limited. The wells may yield a discharge of 5-10 lps and can
sustain a pumping of 10-15 hours a day. However, because of the presence of
potential shallow tertiary aquifer, this aquifer has not been extensively developed.

Cuddalore Sandstone of Tertiary sediments consists Sandstone, Clay &

Conglomerate. They are encountered at the depth of 15-75 m bgl with the thickness
ranging from 20 to 70 m. The groundwater occurs under unconfined condition with
thickness varying from 15-20m and under confined condition in deeper depths. The
unconfined aquifer can be tapped by dug well/ dug cum bore well and can yield about
10-15 lps and can sustain a pumping of 10-15 hours a day. The deeper tube wells can
yield about 15-20 lps and can sustain a pumping of 10-15 hours a day.

Quaternary sediments comprises fluvial and coastal sands and laterites. The alluvium
with alternate layer of sand and clay with a thickness of 15-25 m and are characterized
by floating freshwater lenses limited to a depth 6-7 m bgl and can sustain a pumping
of 2 – 3 hours and can yield about 2-5 lps.

The water-bearing properties of crystalline formations which lack primary porosity

depend on the extent of development of secondary intergranular porosity . The
occurrence and movement of ground water in these rocks are generally confined to
such spaces. These aquifers are highly heterogeneous in nature due to variation in
lithology, texture and structural features even within short distances. Ground water
generally occurs under phreatic conditions in the weathered mantle and under semi-
confined conditions in the fissured and fractured zones at deeper levels. The
thickness of weathered zone in the district is in the range of 4 to 15 m. The depth of
the wells ranged from 10.00 to 15.00 m bgl.

The yield of large diameter wells in the district, tapping the weathered mantle of
crystalline rocks ranges from 40 to 110 lpm and are able to sustain pumping for 2 to 6
hours per day. The Specific capacity of large diameter wells tested in crystalline
rocks ranges from 20.25 to 95 lpm / m. of drawdown. The yield characteristics of
wells vary considerably depending on the topographic set-up, litho logy and nature of
weathering. The transmissivity of weathered formations computed from pumping test
data using empirical methods range < 1 m2/day.
 8

The yield of bore wells drilled down to a depth of 40 to 70 m, by various state

agencies mainly for domestic purposes ranged from 10 to 250 lpm.

The depth to water level in the district varied between 0.67 – 12.12 m bgl during pre-
monsoon depth to water level (May 2006) and varied between 0.49 – 8.78 m bgl
during post monsoon depth to water level (Jan 2007). The seasonal fluctuation shows
a rise in water level, which ranges from 0.35 to 2.8m bgl. The piezometric head varied
between 3.49 to 16.23m bgl (May 2006) during premonsoon and 1.29 to 8.06 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 range of 0.0009 - 0.3944 m/year and fall in the range between 0.0635 -
0.2693 m/year.

4.1.2 Aquifer Parameters

Aquifer Transmissivity Storativity Specific

(m2/day) Yield (%)
Weathered Crystallines <1 - <2
Fractured Crystallines 1-10 1.32 X 10 -3 to 8.0 X -
10 -3
Cretaceous Aquifer 50-500 2.7 X 10 -5 to 5.5 X 2-5
10 -4
Tertiary Aquifer 5-3000 2.5 X 10 -5 -
Quaternary Aquifer 5- 50 - 6-10

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 using GEC-97
methodology and the salient features of the computations are furnished below.
4.3 Ground Water Quality
The chemical characteristics of ground water in the phreatic zone in Ramanathapuram
district has been studied using the analytical data of ground water samples collected
from Network Hydrograph Stations of Central Ground Water Board. The study of
quality of ground water in deeper aquifers in the district has been attempted using the
data collected from exploratory bore/tube wells constructed in the district.

Ground water in phreatic aquifers in Ramanathapuram district, in general, is colourless,

odourless and slightly alkaline in nature. The specific electrical conductance of
ground water in phreatic zone (in MicroSeimens at 25o C) during May 2006 was in the
range of 409 to 4350 in the district. It is between 750 and 2250µS/cm at 25oC in the
major part of the district. Conductance below 750 µS/cm have been observed in
ground water in parts of Sattur and Watrap blocks, whereas conductance exceeding
2250 µS/cm have been observed in part of Rajapalayam and Virudhunagar blocks.
 9

Stage of Groundwater Development of Ramanathapuram District as on 31st March 2004 (in Ha.m.)
S.No Net Existing Existing Existing Allocation for Net Stage of Category
Groundwater Gross Gross Gross Domestic and groundwater Groundwater
Availability Draft Draft for Draft for Industrial Availability Development
for Domestic all uses Requirement for future
Irrigation and supply upto Irriation
industrial next 25 years Development
water (2029)
supply
1 Bogalur 2114.28 208.36 24.99 233.36 25.84 1880.08 11 Safe
2 Kadaladi 3149.58 452.97 88.14 541.10 91.12 2605.49 17 Safe
3 Kamuthi 3262.04 726.67 123.78 850.45 127.98 2407.39 26 Safe
4 Mandapam 4727.58 3816.53 236.61 4053.15 244.63 666.42 86 Semi Critical
5 Mudukulathur 4070.82 452.97 93.03 546.00 96.18 3521.67 13 Safe
6 Nainarkoil 5508.94 799.75 102.44 902.20 105.91 4603.27 16 Safe
7 Paramakudi 2520.00 521.13 56.46 577.59 58.37 1940.49 23 Safe
8 R.S.Mangalam 2296.98 152.28 44.33 196.60 45.83 2098.87 9 Safe
9 Ramanathapuram 1844.75 1508.89 25.60 1534.49 26.47 309.39 83 Semi Critical
10 Thirupullani 3020.09 2699.47 88.72 2788.19 91.73 228.89 92 Critical
11 Thiruvadanai 1025.93 94.32 48.02 142.34 49.65 881.96 14 Safe
District Total 33540.99 11433.35 932.11 12365.46 963.70 21143.94 37
 10

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 in more than 90
percent of samples analysed. Total Hardness as CaCo3 is observed to be in excess of
permissible limits in about 49 percent of samples analysed whereas Nitrate is found in
excess of 45 mg/l in about 30 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 pesticides and fertilisers
for agriculture.

With regard to irrigation suitability based on specific electrical conductance and

Sodium Adsorption 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 using ground water for irrigation.

4.4 Status of Ground Water Development

The estimation of groundwater resources for the district has shown that 1 block is
over exploited and 1block is under “critical” category.

The shallow alluvial aquifers along Vaippar and Gundar rivers serve as an important
source of drinking water irrigation development for Virudhunagar district. Dug wells
are the most common ground water abstraction structures used for irrigation in the
district. The yield of dug wells range from <50 to 200 m3/day in weathered
crystalline rocks, 20 to 100 m3/day in Tertiary formations and upto 400 m3/day in
Recent alluvial formations along major drainage courses. The dug wells in hard rock
terrain tapping the entire weathered residuum are capable of yielding 6 – 7 lps,
requiring the installation of 5 HP centrifugal pumps for extraction of ground water.
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 lithogenic and anthropogenic
factors, it is necessary to exercise caution while planning further development of
available ground water resources in the district.

The yields of dug wells in crystalline and Tertiary formations are improved at
favorable locations by construction of extension bores which are 20 to 40m. deep. In
recent years, a large number of bore wells have also been drilled by farmers for
irrigation purposes.

The development of ground water for irrigation in the district is mainly through dug
wells tapping the weathered residuum or recent alluvial deposits. 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 whereas
large diameter dug wells with radials is suitable for alluvial areas.

Large diameter collector wells are ideal structures for ground water extraction in the
river alluvial tracts, where the granular zones are generally restricted to 35 m bgl. The
 11

coastal sands in the eastern part of the district also form good aquifer material. The
tube wells may be constructed down to a maximum depth of 40 m bgl in the district.
The width and position of the screen in the wells may be decided based on the depth
to piezometric surface and discharge required. The expected discharges corresponding
to the screen lengths are given below for reference.

Hydraulic Conductivity Screen Length Discharge

(m/d) (m) (m3/hr)
20 6 17
30 6 30
40 6 35
30 9 45
40 9 50

The map showing the development prospects for the district is shown in Plate VI.
5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge
The topography of Virudhunagar district, in general, is suited for construction of
various artificial recharge structures such as percolation ponds, check dams and sub-
surface dykes. However, detailed studies are necessary to formulate a comprehensive
scheme for artificial recharge of phreatic ground water in the district in view of the
variations in the geomorphic set-up and the complex hydrological and
hydrogeological conditions.

The artificial recharge to ground water is recommended giving priority to blocks

where the development of ground water resources is comparatively high, Site specific
design has to be adopted depending on the on the aquifer geometry and availability of
surplus non committed runoff

There is considerable scope for implementation of rain water harvesting in the district,
especially in the area underlain by Recent alluvial formations. Such schemes, which
are simple in design and are comparatively cheap, could serve to arrest the decline in
ground water levels and improve ground water quality, if taken up in sufficient
numbers. 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, and manual is also published to give more scientific design tips.
6.0 Groundwater related Issues & Problems
Based on the high level of ground water development, it is inferred that a major part
of the district could be considered vulnerable to water level depletion. A considerable
amount of ground water is being developed from the eastern part of the district from a
number of well-fields for water supply to Virudhunagar district. As the ground water
in the alluvial aquifer in the eastern part of the district is in hydraulic connection with
the weathered and fractured rock, The maintenance of base flow in rivers in essential
for supports the drains of water head works in river bed

Prevention/arresting of sea water intrusion by injection of fresh water through a

battery of recharge wells have been successfully demonstrated elsewhere in Tamil
nadu, However, availability of source water in such large amounts for recharge is a
 12

major constraint in successful implementation of the scheme, and the flood water
available in 4-5 year cycle can also be considered for such large scale injection in
vulnerable/ Ground water threat ‘hot Rpots’

7.0 Awareness & Training Activity

Nil

8.0 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 and there is no over expoited block in the
district.

9.0 Recommendations

As the development of ground water has already reached an optimal stage in many
blocks of this district, further development of ground water for creation of additional
irrigation potential has to be carried out with extreme caution.

Waste land development programme and micro irrigation system has to be

implemented for increasing the agricultural produces by way of more food and
income per drop of water in view of the limited water resources in the districts.
13
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15
16
17
18
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LEGEND FOR PLATE - VI

DISTRICT – RAMANATHAPURAM
 20

Depth Of Discharge Suitable Artificial

Wells Feasible Rigs Suitable
Well (M) (LPM) Recharge Structures
Dug Well Manual 10 – 18 Check Dams/Recharge
Bore Well DTH 60 – 120 10 - 60 Wells/ Gully Plugs
Hard Rock Aquifer
Dug Well Manual 6 – 12 60 – 200 Percolation Ponds/
Tube Well Direct Rotary 20 - 60 Recharge Wells/ Check
Soft Rock Aquifer Dams
Tube Well Direct Rotary 50-100 150 - 300 Recharge Tube Wells
Percolation Ponds
Soft Rock Aquifer
Dug Well Manual 6-10 100 – 300 Percolation Ponds/
Tube Well Direct Rotary 100 – 400 300 - 600 Recharge Tube Wells/
Soft Rock Aquifer Surface Water Storage
Dug Well Manual 10 - 18 60 – 200 Check Dams/Recharge
Tube Well Rotary 100 - 400 Tube Wells/ Gully Plugs/
Soft Rock Aquifer Surface Water Storage
Saline Water For Rotary 30 – 400 500 - 1500 Rain Water Harvesting In
Industries Storage Tanks
Hard Rock Aquifer
District Boundary Block Boundary

District Headquarters 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 (1.5mg/L) Limit (45mg/L)
Recommended Site For Artificial Recharge Palaeo Channel
R Structure

OTHER INFORMATION

Geographical area 4089.57 Sq.km.

Number of blocks 11

Major Drainage Manimuthar, Vaigai & Vaippar.

Population (2001) 11,87,604

Average annual Rainfall 827 mm

Annual Range of Temperature 22 –39°C

Hard Rocks: Quartzites and Gneisses
Regional Geology
Soft RocksL Alluvium, Sandstone and Shale
Net Ground water Availability for future irrigation 211.44 MCM/Yr
Stage of Ground water Development as on January 2003 37 %
Critical: Tiruppullani
Names of Block showing Intensive Ground Water development
Published By: Regional Director, CGWB, SECR, E1, Rajaji Bhavan, Besant Nagar, Chennai
600090.
+914424914494/24912941
/Fax +914424914334
Web: www.cgwb.gov.in,
[email protected]