Against the normal 350mm of rainfall during the crucial kharif season, the district received only 144mm, leading to a significant decline in groundwater levels
The water table had fallen to 13.4m below ground level (mbgl), or nearly 44ft, by the end of Aug, according to sources in Groundwater Directorate. During the corresponding period last year, the groundwater level stood at 8.4 mbgl. Mysuru district recorded a 59% rainfall deficit between June 1 and Sept 15, according to the agriculture department.
Mysuru: The sharp depletion of the groundwater table in Mysuru district due to poor rainfall this year has left thousands of farmers dependent on irrigation pump sets in distress. Speaking to TOI, senior geologist Prasannakumar of Groundwater Directorate said the groundwater table had fallen to 13.4 mbgl this year due to a weak monsoon linked to the El Niño effect.
He said the decline had significantly affected irrigation pump-set farmers across the district. This year, it has dropped by about 5m owing to drought-like conditions and a weak monsoon in the district. Against the normal 350mm of rainfall during the crucial kharif season, the district received only 144mm, leading to a significant decline in groundwater levels.