The government has set up special committees for implementing the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation's report for solving the crisis in the agriculture sector of Kuttanad. This follows the Centre's decision to include it in the existing Centrally sponsored schemes and provide financial assistance for it. Expenses below Rs.50 lakh will be met by the State. The report contains recommendations for controlling flood, providing basic facilities for paddy cultivation, scientific regulation of saline water intrusion, reduction of pollution of Vembanad Lake in stages, providing irrigation and drainage facilities for taking up cultivation, animal husbandry and fishing in a sustainable manner and scientific reconstruction of the Thanneermukkam bund and the Thottapally spillway. The entire project is estimated to cost Rs.1,825.75 crore.The Centre would meet 90 per cent and the State 10 per cent of the cost of the project. The Union Water Resources Department would provide around Rs.1000 crore for flood control.
The Hindu, 18th October 2008
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