Kochi: A farmer from the parched zones of Palakkad has failed to get any relief from the High Court against the Government order banning him drawing water from Chittur River though he has a valid licence. Recording the submission of the additional advocate general that Chittur river had almost dried up and nobody could be permitted to siphon off water from the river, the court disposed of the plea.
The court observed that the restriction created by the state “is up to May 31, 2017” in the hope that the monsoon will be bang on June 1. The additional AG felt the order could be modified, if the situation changed with sufficient replenishment through summer rains. “Even though I do not find any reason to interfere with the action of the state, I am hopeful that if the situation changes, by the grace of nature, state may look into the matter and do the needful." court said.
Mr Sankaran R, 59, of Kannimari in Palakkad, contended that he had obtained a permission to draw water from the Chittur at Adukkatha Challa area for irrigating coconut and arecanut plantation and a 25-HP motor was installed, duly sanctioned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. He argued that he was being denied the right to use water for farming operations and that it had adversely affected his crops. According to the petitioner, the action violates his rights to carry on farming by using natural resources and eke out his livelihood.
