Learning to Better Manage Water in the Ecologically-fragile Nilgiris

The Nilgiris, located in the north-western part of Tamil Nadu, is home to several endemic floral and faunal species and a number of indigenous and tribal communities, and is one among the handful of Biosphere Reserves in India. Most importantly, the district plays a crucial role in operating as an upstream source to four river basins that serve the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala and as a source for large scale hydropower generation. However, currently, the region is increasingly characterized by water shortages and competition between uses. Several water-related issues such as pollution, poor management, and changing traditional and cultural practices of water use and management are afflicting this sensitive ecosystem and need to be with dealt with urgently.

It is within this context that over the year 2001-2002, Winrock International India supported the Keystone Foundation, a non-governmental organization based and working in the hill district of the Nilgiris, to undertake a study on the water resources of the region. The study received financial support under the Winrock International India-Ford Small Grants Program and collected baseline information on the available water sources, water supply levels, types of water schemes and their management and on the status of traditional systems of water management from 61 villages located in four river basins. The study also analyzed climatic information for the region in terms of rainfall, temperature and run-off variations over time. This was followed by field implementations activities under which drinking water sources of some of the tribal habitations were treated. The study culminated with a stakeholders’ workshop where the results were presented for further discussion to most of the relevant actors of the area. Based on the various discussions the ensuing recommendations by this consultative stakeholder group was presented in the form of ‘The Nilgiris Declaration on Hill Water Resources Management’, which is the first of its kind for the region.

Apart from providing invaluable baseline information and directions for water resources development and management, this effort by Winrock International India and Keystone Foundation has helped generate greater awareness on the various issues affecting the water resources of the Nilgiris. Winrock International India India has helped establish a foundation on which much future research and implementation projects in this ecologically fragile area can be undertaken.