The district administration has decided to close the shutters of the Thanneermukkom bund and Andhakaranazhi to prevent brackish water intrusion into paddy fields.
The decision was taken following a rise in salinity level in Vembanad lake, which could damage crops. About 30,000 hectares of land has been brought under paddy cultivation in Kuttanad and other parts of the district in the current crop season.
Officials said that the work on closing the shutters was in progress and would be completed soon. “Out of the 90 shutters of the Thanneermukkom bund, 74 shutters were closed on Sunday. The remaining will be closed on Monday,” said an Irrigation Department official.
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At Andhakaranazhi, the authorities have started closure of shutters on the southern side.