Swaminathan lauds execution of Kuttanad package

ALAPPUZHA: Agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan, who designed the Rs 1,840-crore Kuttanad package, said he was completely satisfied with the way the package was being executed. The package focuses on the preservation and restoration of Kuttanad's ecology.
Swaminathan was speaking at a review meeting of the Kuttanad package at the collectorate conference hall here on Monday.He is the chairman of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation.
"The package was formulated giving importance to restoring the eco-system of Kuttanad. It will also ensure sustainable livelihood for the people in Kuttanad and augment paddy production in the region," the eminent scientist said.
"There is nothing wrong in constructing outer bunds using concrete piles and slabs at Rani and Chithira 'kayal' paddy fields. It that is not done, these 'kayal' paddy fields will become part of the sea," Swaminathan said.
He said 7.5-metre piles would be erected for constructing the outer bund to increase its strength. They used to be only 6.3 metres deep till now.
For the development of Onattukara region, Rs 379-cr worth projects have been earmarked. Under the package, 12 wetlands and 12 canals will be preserved.
Water resource minister P J Joseph, who presided over the meeting, said P Biju has been appointed the new project director of Kuttatand package. He said certain problems faced by the contractors carrying out the works under the package would be addressed soon. The minister also instructed district collector V Ratheesan to take steps for the smooth conduct of the works under the package.
"The modernization of Thanneermukkom bund and Thottappally spillway and the widening of the Alappuzha-Changanassery canal are the major solutions for saving water-locked Kuttanad from flooding. These works will be undertaken soon," the minister said.
Water resources principal secretary V J Kurian, collector V Ratheesan, district panchayat president U Pratibha Hari, legislators Thomas Chandy, C K Sadasivan, A M Arif and R Rajesh, foundation advisor S Bala Ravi and chief engineer P Anilkumar also spoke on the occasion.