Rivers, wells dry up in flood-hit Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With mercury levels rising and abnormal drying up of rivers and wells, the Kerala State government has decided to conduct scientific studies on the post-flood phenomenon in the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the State Council for Science, Technology & Environment to carry out studies on the phenomenon after floods across the state and suggest possible solutions to the problems. There is widespread concern in different parts of Kerala following a series of issues including soaring mercury level, unprecedented dip in water level of rivers, sudden drying-up of wells, depletion of groundwater reserves and mass perishing of earthworms. Several rivers including Periyar, Bharathpuzha, Pampa, and Kabani which were in a spate during the days of flood, have now dried up.