The city has received 44.98 cm of rainfall as against the normal rainfall of 34.26 cm
The average ground water level in the city stood at 4.71 mbgl in October 2013 as against 5.75 mbgl recorded last month. (Photo: DC/File)
Chennai: The city witnessed widespread water stagnation following heavy rains in mid-October. Since the onset of the monsoon, the city has received 44.98 cm of rainfall as against the normal rainfall of 34.26 cm.
According to the meteorological department, Chennai, last month, recorded 40.55 cm and 36.7 cm of rain in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam, respectively, against 15.72 cm and 23.5 cm in the corresponding month last year.
In spite of the less rainfall recorded in October 2013, the average ground water level in the city stood at 4.71 mbgl in October 2013 as against 5.75 mbgl recorded last month. “If we receive excessive rainfall in a day or two, it will not help recharge the ground water table as stagnant water will run off into the stormwater drains,” said officials of the water resources department (WRD).
The official added that the groundwater table would increase if it rained daily at regular intervals. Out of the 32 districts, 21 had recorded a fall in the water level in October this year when compared to October 2013.
The water level in Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts had gone down by about 1.19 metre and 0.61 metre. As per the data, Thanjavur district recorded the greatest fall in water levels by 1.58 metre while Kanyakumari saw a maximum rise in the water table by 1.34 metre.
However, the WRD official noted that there was a rise in the water level in the city and elsewhere when compared with the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon data. The city’s water level has gone up by 0.20 metre from 5.95 metre in September this year.
Except for Krishnagiri, Pudukottai and Kanyakumari, all other districts have seen an increase in the water table position following the NEM, the officials said, adding that with the monsoon still active, the water level would certainly improve.
( Source : dc )
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