# Department of Water Resources > water resources management department in Kerala **Wikidata**: [Q136955823](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136955823) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Water_Resources_(Kerala)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/department-of-water-resources ## Summary The Department of Water Resources is a government agency responsible for water resources management in the Indian state of Kerala. It functions as an organisational part of the government, dedicated to specific public services related to water resource planning, management, and development. The department serves as the primary body overseeing Kerala's water resources, a critical function given the state's extensive network of rivers, backwaters, and coastal systems. ## Key Facts - **Instance of:** Government agency - **Jurisdiction:** Kerala, India - **Function:** Water resources management - **Wikipedia title:** Department of Water Resources (Kerala) - **Wikipedia language:** English (en) - **Wikidata description:** water resources management department in Kerala - **Sitelink count:** 1 (Wikidata entry) ## FAQs **What type of organization is the Department of Water Resources?** The Department of Water Resources is a government agency, classified as an organisational part of a government responsible for specific public services. It operates within the governmental structure of Kerala, India. **Where is the Department of Water Resources located?** The Department of Water Resources is based in Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India known for its extensive waterways, backwaters, and monsoonal climate that makes water resource management particularly important. **What is the primary function of this department?** The department's primary function is water resources management in Kerala, which includes the planning, development, and sustainable management of the state's water resources including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and other water bodies. **Is the Department of Water Resources a national or state entity?** The Department of Water Resources is a state-level government agency, operating under the state government of Kerala rather than the national Indian government. ## Why It Matters The Department of Water Resources plays a crucial role in one of India's most water-rich yet flood-prone states. Kerala receives heavy monsoon rains annually, making coordinated water management essential for flood control, irrigation, drinking water supply, and environmental preservation. The department's work impacts agricultural productivity, urban water security, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on water-related activities including fishing and tourism. Without effective water resource management, the state would face increased risks of both devastating floods and drought conditions that have historically affected the region. ## Notable For - Serving as the dedicated government agency for water resources management in Kerala - Operating as part of Kerala's governmental structure responsible for critical public services - Being the primary institutional mechanism for managing Kerala's unique water ecosystem including its 44 rivers, extensive backwaters, and coastal systems ## Body ### Overview The Department of Water Resources represents the governmental mechanism through which the state of Kerala manages its extensive water resources. As a government agency, it operates as an organisational component of the state government, tasked with public service responsibilities related to water management. The department's existence reflects the recognition that water resource management requires dedicated institutional attention, particularly in a state characterized by abundant water bodies but also significant challenges related to flooding, groundwater depletion, and coastal erosion. ### Classification and Structure The entity is classified as a government agency, falling within the broader category of governmental organisations responsible for specific public services. This classification places it alongside other essential government bodies handling services such as health, education, transportation, and judiciary functions. The government agency classification indicates that the department operates within the formal governmental structure, likely reporting to relevant ministerial authorities within the Kerala state government. ### Geographic Context Kerala's geography makes water resource management particularly critical. The state spans approximately 38,863 square kilometers along India's southwestern coast, featuring a diverse landscape that includes mountains, plateaus, valleys, and an extensive network of waterways. The state receives substantial monsoon rainfall, with annual precipitation averaging around 3,000 mm in some regions. This climatic pattern, while providing abundant water resources, also creates significant flood management challenges that require coordinated governmental response. ### Water Resources Managed Kerala possesses significant water resources that fall under the department's management purview. The state has 44 rivers, of which 41 flow westward into the Arabian Sea and 3 flow eastward. These rivers, along with their tributaries, form an extensive drainage network. Kerala's famous backwaters—a network of lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast—represent another critical water resource. Additionally, the state has numerous freshwater lakes, tanks, and ponds, as well as substantial groundwater resources that require careful management to prevent depletion. ### Institutional Significance The establishment of a dedicated Department of Water Resources reflects Kerala's recognition of water management as a distinct governmental priority. Unlike states where water resources might fall under a broader department (such as public works or agriculture), Kerala maintains specialized institutional focus on water resource issues. This specialization allows for targeted policy development, technical expertise, and coordinated implementation of water management programs tailored to the state's specific geographic and climatic conditions. ### Role in Public Service As a government agency, the Department of Water Resources serves essential public service functions that directly impact daily life in Kerala. These functions include ensuring adequate drinking water supply to urban and rural populations, supporting agricultural irrigation needs, managing flood control infrastructure, protecting water quality, and coordinating with other agencies on environmental conservation. The department's work touches virtually every sector of Kerala's economy and society, from agriculture and industry to domestic water supply and tourism. ### Documentation and References The department has a presence in knowledge repositories, with a Wikipedia article titled "Department of Water Resources (Kerala)" available in English. This documentation indicates a level of institutional recognition and public accessibility to information about the department's functions and activities. The Wikidata entry for the entity confirms its classification as a water resources management department in Kerala, providing structured data for knowledge graph applications and research purposes.