Centre, state yet to decide Kuttanad as SAZ

ALAPPUZHA: The Central and State Governments are yet to declare Kuttanad as a Special Agricultural Zone (SAZ), which was one of the main recommendations in the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) report. There has also been reports of discrepancies in the implementation of other aspects of the report.The MSSRF pointed out that the Kuttanad Wetland System (MSSRF) is intensely linked with the livelihood of people. The report suggests that, “Under this unique predicament, generation of additional economic activity, promotion of investment, creation of employment opportunities and development of farming infrastructure facilities in Kuttanad cannot be achieved without a special consideration to this region from the State and Central Governments. To serve these purposes it is important that Kuttanad region is declared as a Special Agricultural Zone.” But both governments have neglected the recommendation of the MSSRF.  There are also complaints that the outer bund construction has deviated from the recommendations. The study report mentions that outer bunds can be constructed with stiff clay excavated from the kayal at feasible locations, where it does not affect the strength of the bunds.  The report also mentions the Kerala Land Development Corporation’s experience with construction of bunds with granite in 1970, it was called off half-way due to paucity of funds. The stone used for lining has also fallen down in many places. The report also pointed out that the advantages of bund strengthening using stiff clay excavated from kayal beds are ecologically acceptable and requires less maintenance. “Granite pitching and masonry protection may be unavoidable at selected sections bearing high searing action and flood pressure, which cannot be resisted by clay bund. The clay bund may be largely used and this may be stabilised and strengthened on the waterside with economicallyuseful grasses grown using geotextile as binding material,” says excerpts from the MSSRF report. It is alleged that officials are planning to construct the entire bund with granite, on the lakeside with concrete slabs. Social activists also demanded that a special officer be appointed to implement the project.  Currently the Kuttanad package is being coordinated by a committee consisting of the Cheif Secretary, Agricultural Production Commissioner, Secretaries of all line Departments,the District Collectors of Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and a Project Officer. The consensus of various departments is needed for the smooth functioning of the package. An officer is needed for the co-ordination, said Fr. Thomas Peeliyanickal Executive Director of the Kuttanad Development society. The Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad district leaders said that the construction of outer bunds is being carried out without an Environmental Impact Assessment.