Part of Kuttanad package funds used to buy goats

KOCHI: The UDF sub-committee that looked into the implementation of the Kuttanad Package for controlling floods and improving paddy output in the area has found that a part of the Central aid was diverted for non-project purposes like buying cows, goats, ducks, buffaloes and hens for individual beneficiaries and also for floriculture and bee-keeping.
The panel, headed by Kerala Congress-M leader Mr Jose Koyippally, also objected to the move for converting the Rani-Chithira kayal for cultivation ignoring other areas in Kuttand which are more suited to cultivation like the flood-hit Kainakary. It also found that at least 35,000 acres of the 1,35,000 acres of cultivable land are still left uncultivated in Kuttanad.
The panel expressed displeasure in the ongoing widening and deepening work of Alappuzha-Changanacherry Canal in the Manackachira-Onnamkara 11.72 km stretch without using the echo-sound system. It also received complaints that the mud-bricks taken out from the canal were sold to private parties instead of using it to strengthen the southern bank of it and sought a probe into it.
The panel wanted to rehabilitate those who encroached on the canal by constructing houses and shops. It also sought widening of the Onnamkara Bridge on AC Road as the narrow bridge currently was blocking the flow of water and steps for speeding up the renovation work of Thottapally Spillway which was delayed by the non-receipt of project report from IIT-Madras.
Other proposals included measures for strengthening bunds for all paddy fields, bringing potable water to all panchayats in Kuttanad, opening up of Kochchar and deepening of all creeks and rivers also along with AC canal work to control flooding, steps for encouraging aqua culture and tourism potential of the area and constitution of a Thaneermukkam Bund Management Committee.
Expressing concerns over reports that the Rs 2,500 crore project would be wound up soon, the panel said that it should be extended to at least July 2016. It was found that only 20 per cent of the project money coming to Rs 513 crore was spent under the project till August 31, 2014.
The panel also sought the constitution of a monitoring committee headed by a secretary-level IAS officer for the implementation of the project which involved the coordination of 12 departments. Technical experts, peoples representatives and representatives of farmers and farm workers should also be in the committee.