Jaffna’s groundwater crisis requires a collaborative pathway to sustainable water management

At the event of agricultural training conducted by the Northern Provincial Council. 

By Kalyani Ganesharuban

More so than anywhere else in Sri Lanka, the Jaffna peninsula and its population of 600,000 people, rely heavily on groundwater for not only human consumption but also agriculture, local industries and an emerging tourism sector. However, overuse, pollution and saltwater intrusion are threatening this vital source.

Over-extraction for agriculture and daily consumption, coupled with minimal regulatory oversight, has allowed unsustainable practices to flourish. Water quality is deteriorating due to pollutants from fertilizers, pesticides, and nearby latrines seeping into aquifers, while excessive pumping accelerates seawater intrusion. This is a phenomenon where saltwater infiltrates freshwater supplies due to the lowered water table.

Groundwater levels have further declined as urbanization and reduced rainfall recharge limit natural replenishment. Unregulated sand and limestone mining has removed crucial protective layers, and rainwater that could replenish these stores is often lost instead of being harvested. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative, community-driven approach, balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability.

IWMI is identifying pathways for the sustainable management of groundwater in the Jaffna peninsula with support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) program. Together with national and regional government departments and local communities IWMI will:

• Assess groundwater status and management practices: Using advanced monitoring technologies and community input, IWMI will map Jaffna’s groundwater health and usage trends, identifying critical hotspots and threats.

• Strengthen monitoring systems: Improved monitoring infrastructure will empower stakeholders to make real-time adjustments in response to environmental changes.

• Promote climate-resilient agriculture: Recognizing the vital role of agriculture, IWMI will provide solutions for water-efficient, resilient farming practices that reduce strain on groundwater.

• Empower communities: A multi-stakeholder platform means that local voices, especially those of women and marginalized groups, will be integral to decision-making and resource management.

• Develop groundwater interventions: By co-designing nature-based and community-supported solutions, the project will develop interventions that address both quantity and quality of groundwater, balancing usage and recharge.

Collaborating for a water-secure Jaffna

Collaboration is at the heart of this project. In October 2024, the inception stakeholder forum was held with the Chief Secretary and Secretaries of Ministries in the Northern Province; the University of Jaffna; the Northern Provincial Irrigation Department; the National Water Supply and Drainage Board; the Water Resources Board; and the Provincial Department of Agriculture to identify key groundwater issues from a governance perspective. Then to understand water users and local community concerns, IWMI and government partners conducted field visits across Jaffna city and Kayts island, talking to local farmers about the issues they face in irrigation and agricultural yield. As part of this project, a multi-stakeholder platform is being put together to integrate local voices into decision-making and water resource management.

The Chief Secretary for the Northern Province, Ledchumanan Ilaangovan, stated that a hyper focus on economic development has come at the expense of conservation in the region, adding that “What we need is a practical plan on how to manage water sustainably and deal with the effects of climate change.”

A vision for climate resilience

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick said, “As part of the UK’s commitment under CARA to strengthen climate resilience and water security in vulnerable communities, we are excited to see this project build sustainable groundwater management strategies through the early and active involvement of government agencies and local communities.”

“The sustainable management of groundwater is essential for Jaffna’s future. This project aims to offer a roadmap toward balance—between consumption and conservation, community needs and resource limit,” said Lal Mutuwatte, IWMI Deputy Country Manager for Sri Lanka. “This project will thoughtfully and collaboratively develop an actionable plan for goundwater interventions. However, to echo the Chief Secretary, implementation will obviously be key so that local communities and water users on the ground can benefit from improved water security,” added Nishadi Eriyagama, IWMI Deputy Country Manager for Sri Lanka. (Courtesy- International Water Management Institute)