Thanneermukkom Bund Shutters Opened to Aid Kerala's Fishermen and Farmers
In a significant move to provide relief to local communities, authorities in Kottayam have initiated the opening of shutters at the Thanneermukkom bund. This action is specifically designed to support fishermen and farmers who are preparing fields for the second crop season in the region.
Mechanical Assistance Used for Initial Opening
On Monday, the process began with the opening of 10 shutters on the eastern side of the bund, accomplished through mechanical assistance. This marks the first phase of a broader operation, as the remaining shutters are scheduled to be opened in subsequent stages. Currently, a total of 90 shutters and four navigation locks at the Thanneermukkom bund require full mechanical opening to restore normal water flow and access.
Impact on Livelihoods and Agriculture
The closure of these shutters over the past three months has severely affected the livelihood of fisher families, halting clam collection and fishing activities. With the opening, these communities can resume their work, providing much-needed economic relief. Additionally, farmers in Kuttanad, who have prepared fields for the second crop, stand to benefit significantly from this development.
The bund plays a crucial role in preventing saline water intrusion into paddy fields, a function essential for protecting crops. While the harvest of paddy in Alappuzha, including Kuttanad, is nearly complete, delays in harvesting in the western region of Kottayam have contributed to the postponement of shutter opening. This strategic timing ensures that saline water from the bund can fill harvested fields, which helps in suppressing weed growth and reducing soil acidity, thereby preparing the land for future cultivation.
Broader Benefits of the Thanneermukkom Bund
The Thanneermukkom bund is a vital infrastructure project that prevents saline water from entering the low-lying areas of Kuttanad, safeguarding paddy cultivation and enabling farmers to cultivate twice a year. It also helps maintain fresh water in the southern parts of Vembanad Lake, which is beneficial for drinking water needs and other domestic purposes. Furthermore, the bund serves as a major route connecting Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, enhancing regional connectivity.
During the rainy season, the shutters in the bund assist in draining water from eastern regions, thereby helping to control flooding to some extent. According to the agricultural calendar, the Thanneermukkom shutters are typically closed on December 15 and opened on March 15. However, this year's opening was delayed due to the late harvest of the second crop and the puncha rice crop, aimed at preventing saline water damage to standing paddy.
Consequences of the Delay
The delay in opening the shutters has led to the drying up of canals and backwaters, resulting in pollution and the unavailability of fish and prawns. This situation has rendered hundreds of Chinese fishing nets along Vembanad Lake inoperative, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by local fishing communities. The current action to open the shutters is expected to mitigate these issues, restoring ecological balance and supporting sustainable agricultural and fishing practices in the area.
