Monsoon shortfall in the Nilgiris exposes water stress in Coonoor
Coonoor is facing a severe water shortage as the Ralliah Dam reaches critically low levels due to a significant monsoon rainfall deficit. Local activists are calling for better water management, including desilting and the removal of water-intensive invasive tree species.
Why it matters
The crisis underscores the vulnerability of hill stations to climate-induced water stress and the impact of rapid, unplanned urban development.
A dearth of rain in the Nilgiris district this monsoon season is having an unusual impact on the town of Coonoor, where the Ralliah Dam, the town’s primary water source, has gone almost dry over the past week, sparking concerns of water shortage among residents.
According to sources in the Horticulture Department, there has been over 55% shortfall in rains from the southwest monsoon around Udhagamandalam this year. Officials, however, said there is no impending water crisis in Udhagamandalam due to the steady rains in the catchments of the district’s major dams supplying water to the town.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in