Citizen Science Engagement in Cauvery Delta

The Cauvery Delta in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the country’s most productive agricultural regions and supports thousands of farming households. However, the region is increasingly facing groundwater salinity, declining water quality, seasonal water scarcity, and climate-related stress. Existing scientific monitoring systems are often limited in spatial coverage and cannot fully capture localized variations in water conditions.

This project introduces a citizen science approach to strengthen water data collection and community engagement. The initiative mobilizes farmers, students, and local volunteers to participate in groundwater and surface water monitoring. Community members are trained to collect water samples, measure basic parameters such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and record geo-referenced data using simple mobile-based tools.

The collected data is compiled, validated, and analyzed to produce spatial water quality maps. These maps help identify salinity hotspots, seasonal variations, and vulnerable areas. By integrating local observations with GIS-based analysis, the project creates accessible and actionable information for both communities and decision-makers.

Beyond data generation, the project strengthens local awareness and builds scientific understanding at the grassroots level. Participants gain knowledge about water quality impacts on agriculture, soil health, and livelihoods. This fosters responsible water use practices and encourages collective stewardship of water resources.

The project demonstrates how citizen science can complement formal monitoring systems by filling data gaps, enhancing transparency, and promoting inclusive water governance. It provides a scalable model that can be replicated in other delta regions facing similar environmental pressures.

Through collaboration between communities, researchers, and institutions, the initiative aims to transform citizens from passive water users into active contributors to sustainable water management.