Farmers in Cumbum Valley are disappointed as release of water from Periyar dam on June 1, in time for the first crop in the double-cropping area, has been ruled out this year.
With the failure of recent showers in catchment areas to bring any drastic change in the dam’s storage level, which remains at 108.7 feet, PWD officials have not commit themselves to any date for release of water. Any further delay is certain to affect preparation of the field, sowing and transplantation and, ultimately, the harvesting. It will also lead to postponement of the second cropping season.
Farmers in the valley faced a similar situation last year too, with water being released for irrigation only on July 15.
In the past, Cumbum Valley received water from the dam on June 1 every year. However for the last three seasons, poor storage has forced officials to postpone the release dates. In the past, water was released on June 1 only in 2001, 2003, 2008 and 2014. The situation was worse between 2009 and 2012.
The only solace to farmers now is the meteorological department’s announcement that the South West monsoon is likely to arrive over Kerala in the first week of June, unlike July 15 last year.
Periyar dam should have a minimum storage of 2,000 mcft to enable release of water for irrigation for the valley. On Sunday, the storage was only 708 mcft. Hence, PWD officials are wary of announcing the date of release.
Farmers fear a repeat of 2012. After water was released for irrigation in July end, PWD officials asked them to stop all agricultural activities within two months in view of monsoon failure. Harvesting was done only in 5,500 acres in the first copping season, and 40,000 acres remained dry.
Officials say the existing storage in Periyar and Vagiai dams is insufficient to meet the drinking water needs of five districts.
The entire inflow of Periyar dam was discharged into the Periyar river in March and April to improve storage in Vaigai dam. The onset of monsoon in Kerala is the only glimmer of hope for farmers in the valley.
