Earlier this week, a report in The Times of India came as a shocker, stating that the average groundwater level in Coimbatore district had dropped from 10.37 metres below ground level in January 2026 to 13.15 metres.
Farmers across different parts of the district, including Annur and Masagoundenchettipalayam, have been severely affected by the depletion. Residents in suburban localities are feeling the strain as well. Take any borewell in Coimbatore, the water is available only after 150 feet. Depending on the terrain it could cross 750 feet or more to reach the water.
The steadily declining water table threatens to trigger an even greater crisis across Coimbatore if timely interventions are not made.
A sight for sore eyes
Amid these grim figures, however, recent restoration efforts offer a glimmer of hope. Coimbatore-based NGO Siruthuli has spearheaded rejuvenation projects along several feeder streams of the Noyyal River, notably Mosarambu near Thondamuthur, as well as Mundanthurai and Nandangarai.
Siruthuli constructed and restored nine check dams along the Mosarambu stream, and aerial photographs now show these structures filled to the brim. The stream, which was heavily polluted and neglected prior to the intervention, can now hold over 100 million litres of water and holds the potential to rejuvenate several thousand acres of surrounding farmland.
When rainwater is stored for longer durations, it gradually percolates into the ground to recharge the aquifer, benefiting the immediate vicinity as well as downstream areas reaching into parts of Coimbatore city.
Another positive sign
Another positive sign was witnessed at Perur Padithurai, a river ghat on the banks of the Noyyal. Just two months ago, when hundreds of devotees gathered there for Aadi Amavasya to pay homage to their ancestors, they were met with a dry riverbed and had to be supplied water through pipes. 
Today, water has reached Perur Padithurai for the first time this year, owing to efforts undertaken by Siruthuli in collaboration with its CSR partners, volunteers, and the Coimbatore Corporation.
Sathish, Trustee of Siruthuli, shared that during the monsoon, water typically rushes past the Noyyal River and Perur check dam with little to no stagnation. Following the desilting work, approximately three to four feet of water is now being retained at the Perur anaicut. This marked improvement in storage capacity is a promising development that will bolster groundwater recharge in the surrounding areas.
Community-wide action a must
Even so, community-wide action remains essential. While organisations like Siruthuli continue to restore the Noyyal basin, recharge groundwater, and build long-term water security, sustainable change will require residents, commercial establishments, and institutions to join hands and implement rainwater harvesting. Failing to act will only deepen the crisis: too many borewells and too little effort to capture rain will leave Coimbatore running dry.
