The constituency-level meetings recently convened by people’s representatives to review drought relief measures have yielded positive results as most of them have announced a regional priority list to be implemented on a fast-track basis. The meeting was convened by the MLAs on a directive from the Chief Minister who promised to take fast action on the recommendations.
The finalised priority list with long-term objectives is likely to benefit a large number of people in rural and urban areas. As per an assurance given by the State government to the MLAs, all projects included in the priority list will be given the required importance and issued fast clearance. The estimated fund too will be allocated in a time-bound manner to ensure its completion within a year.
“In Koyilandy Assembly constituency, we have sought the fast completion of a new regulator-cum-bridge at Chittarikadavu, which will prevent saline water intrusion into local drinking water sources,” said K. Dasan, MLA. The project, estimated to cost Rs.18.20 crore, has been pending with the government for long years in spite of repeated pleas by the local self-government bodies, he added.
According to Mr. Dasan, the constituency had also prepared a comprehensive action plan to protect three important rivers from pollution and human encroachment. “A special cleaning drive with the support of local people was now under way on these riversides to maintain sufficient flow of water,” he said.
In Thiruvambadi Assembly constituency, the target was to realise a Rs.34-crore drinking water project that would benefit four grama panchayats within the constituency limit. According to K.Moyinkutty, MLA, the panchayats had already joined efforts to hand over one acre of land for realising the project.
“We hope to get the final sanction for the project by May 16 after a State-level review meeting. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) will finance the scheme which will benefit a larger population to tackle the challenge of drought in the coming years,” said Mr. Moyinkutty.
Irrigation projects
Irrigation projects had been given the highest priority in the Kuttiyadi Assembly constituency as the majority of water supply projects in its limit had come to the benefit of several farmers in and around the region. The renovation of water supply canals topped the list with a proposal to sanction Rs.80 crore.
According to K.K. Lathika, MLA, the Irrigation Department had already forwarded the proposal to the government for final approval and to get the required financial support. “This week, we will convene one more meeting of the Irrigation Department officials to make a few additions to the already submitted proposal,” she added.
Preparation of priority list in all the other constituencies, including Vadakara, Nadapuram, Perambra, Balussery, Elathur, Kunnamangalam, Beypore, Koduvally, Kozhikode –North and Kozhikode South had been completed under the headship of the Water Authority Department.
Also, short-term drought relief measures were in full swing in all the constituencies taking into account the local requirements.
