The Times of India 05.04.2013
Malappuram gears up to tackle drought crisis
MALAPPURAM: As the severe
drought due to the shortage of rainfall has resulted in substantial crop
loss and drinking water shortage in various parts of Malappuram district, the authorities have decided to take immediate measures to address the situation.
The municipalities and panchayats will distribute drinking water free-of-cost through tanker vehicles.
A special meeting presided by the urban affairs minister Manjalam Kuzhi Ali held at district collector's chamber has informed that each municipality and panchayat will spend Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively for the distribution of drinking water in respective regions.
The meeting has decided to complete the construction works of temporary check dams, which are being set up across the district. A total of 535 check dams would be constructed in 15 blocks in the district. Government has already earmarked Rs 2.5 crore for the works.
According to the agricultural department, paddy cultivation in 46 hectares have been destroyed due to the unavailability of water and paddy crops in 1972 hectares have been partially destroyed, as the district had suffered a substantial shortfall in rainfall.
Farmers had also suffered an additional loss of Rs 4 crore in summer. The actual loss of crops due to sudden downpour is yet to be ascertained.
Plantain cultivation in 1,165 hectares and vegetable cultivation in more than 100 hectares also have been destroyed owing to water shortage in the district.
Vengara, Valancheri, Edarikode, Malappuram, Tanur, Nilambur, Chungathara, Thiruvali, Vandur, Perinthalmanna and Athavanadu are the worst-affected region in the district.
Crops were also affected due to the failure of the southwest and northeast monsoons.
As per the criteria of state government, only the farmers who suffered complete loss of crops deserve the compensation amount. More than 5,400 farmers have already submitted application for the compensation in the district.
Meanwhile farmers in Vazhayoor, Vazhakkad, Edavannappara and Areekode regions heaved a sigh of relief because some water was provided to them from the Oorkkadavu-regulator-cum bridge in Chaliyar river
According to the agricultural department sources, only 3% farmers in the district are the beneficiaries of various farm insurance schemes.
Meanwhile, the farmers are demanding more compensation as most of them have lost their livelihood and many of those who started cultivation have burnt their fingers. It is estimated that 50% of the paddy and more than 60% of other crops had already withered.
The municipalities and panchayats will distribute drinking water free-of-cost through tanker vehicles.
A special meeting presided by the urban affairs minister Manjalam Kuzhi Ali held at district collector's chamber has informed that each municipality and panchayat will spend Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively for the distribution of drinking water in respective regions.
The meeting has decided to complete the construction works of temporary check dams, which are being set up across the district. A total of 535 check dams would be constructed in 15 blocks in the district. Government has already earmarked Rs 2.5 crore for the works.
According to the agricultural department, paddy cultivation in 46 hectares have been destroyed due to the unavailability of water and paddy crops in 1972 hectares have been partially destroyed, as the district had suffered a substantial shortfall in rainfall.
Farmers had also suffered an additional loss of Rs 4 crore in summer. The actual loss of crops due to sudden downpour is yet to be ascertained.
Plantain cultivation in 1,165 hectares and vegetable cultivation in more than 100 hectares also have been destroyed owing to water shortage in the district.
Vengara, Valancheri, Edarikode, Malappuram, Tanur, Nilambur, Chungathara, Thiruvali, Vandur, Perinthalmanna and Athavanadu are the worst-affected region in the district.
Crops were also affected due to the failure of the southwest and northeast monsoons.
As per the criteria of state government, only the farmers who suffered complete loss of crops deserve the compensation amount. More than 5,400 farmers have already submitted application for the compensation in the district.
Meanwhile farmers in Vazhayoor, Vazhakkad, Edavannappara and Areekode regions heaved a sigh of relief because some water was provided to them from the Oorkkadavu-regulator-cum bridge in Chaliyar river
According to the agricultural department sources, only 3% farmers in the district are the beneficiaries of various farm insurance schemes.
Meanwhile, the farmers are demanding more compensation as most of them have lost their livelihood and many of those who started cultivation have burnt their fingers. It is estimated that 50% of the paddy and more than 60% of other crops had already withered.
