Assessment of Salt Water Intrusion from Ponnani to Tavanur along the Banks of River Bharathapuzha in Kerala

Groundwater is one of the major sources for irrigation and domestic purposes. The groundwater demand various purposes increasing in coastal areas. population density region high health people depends on quality water used. Ponnani, Malappuram district, a thickly populated town Kerala where availability good drinking lacking. study was undertaken to analyze fluctuation table its effects salinity intrusion understand suitability belt Tavanur-Ponnani region. Six regions, Tavanur, Nariparambu, Chamaravattom, Purathur, Eswaramangalam Ponnani are included area. level measured from observation wells field at monthly intervals, samples were collected analysis during period 2015 2021. results obtained indicate that there saline stretch Padinjarekkara regions Bharathapuzha river basin, both EC having an trend almost all this period. problem found be severe dry periods (March-May) year Purathoor with rising about 1800 mg L-1 1400 µs cm-1, respectively pre-monsoon period, which can used only absence alternate source. In these areas, available summer months becomes unsuitable even During monsoon season (June-November), less severe. Hence, it recommended restrict use least lateral distance 5 km seashore along banks river.