The ₹1,000-crore New Kuttanad Package (second phase of the Kuttanad Package) announced in the State Budget has come as a shot in the arm for a region facing recurring floods and serious environmental issues.
Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac said that at least ₹500 crore would be utilised for the Kuttanad Package in 2019-20, including assistance from the wetland authority.
As part of the implementation of the package, a one-time cleaning of backwaters and other water sources would be undertaken.
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“The depth of the backwater will be increased by removing silt and it will be strengthened by reconstructing outer bunds,” Dr. Isaac said.
In a bid to prevent flooding in the Kuttanad region, the budget has earmarked ₹47 crore for repair and construction of outer bunds.
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Further, it proposes the opening of the Thanneermukkom Bund at least for one year. This, according to Dr. Isaac, will help to let in salt water and clean the Kuttanad region. An amount of ₹20 crore has been set aside for compensating the agricultural loss caused by the opening of the bund.
The Finance Minister further said that mobile septage units and floating septage units would be installed by giving subsidy.
“One time cleaning of streams will be ensured. Septic tank closets and sewage treatment at source will be implemented to ensure that streamlets remain clean. A 20% subsidy will be given for water sewage treatment units in hotels and auditoriums,” he said.
AC canal renovation
Dr. Isaac said an agricultural package devoid of excessive and unscientific use of pesticides and fertilizers would be implemented.
“A new duck breeding farm will be set up in Kuttanad at ₹16 crore. A total of ₹40 crore will be expended in 2019-20 for the renovation of the Alappuzha-Changanassery (AC) canal and to increase the depth and width of the leading channel of Thottappally Spillway,” he said.
Along with this, steps will be taken to deposit fish seeds to enhance the fish wealth in backwaters. An amount of ₹5 crore has been earmarked for pisciculture.
Dr. Isaac said that the Public Works Department would prepare a project for the reconstruction of the AC road to make it withstand floods.
The budget proposes construction of public buildings that can survive floods in Kuttanad.
Drinking water
Elevated cattle protection centres will be constructed for the protection of animals during floods. The multi-storeyed hospital being constructed at Pulinkunnu at ₹150 crore will have the facility for helicopters to land, Dr. Isaac said.
He said that the Kuttanad drinking water scheme would become a reality in 2019-20.
John Mathai, former vice president, Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, told The Hindu that a special team should be constituted to implement the package. “The implementation of the first Kuttanad Package was flawed and it should not be repeated. The decision to open the Thanneermukkom Bund is welcome,” he said.