Kanniyakumari Collector calls for WRD report on restoration status of waterbodies hit by NHAI work

Kanniyakumari Collector R. Alagumeena has urged the Water Resource Department (WRD) officials to submit a status report of restoration of waterbodies, impacted by the ongoing four-lane work being carried out by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

She made this statement at the farmers’ grievance redress meeting held at the district Collectorate on Thursday. The direction stemmed from the frequent concerns raised by farmers.

Ms. Alagumeena further insisted that the NHAI simultaneously begins restoring waterbodies, once the four-lane project at a particular area attains 75% of completion. She stressed that WRD must take individual responsibility for monitoring the restoration of waterbodies and prepare a list of completed tanks and waterbodies that have been restored, as well as those in pending restoration.

At the meeting, Chenbagasekara Pillai, a farmer from Thuvarankadu highlighted the absence of assistant agricultural officers in each region, stating that these officials had been helpful for the farmers in providing timely awareness on crop diseases and other crucial information.

He added that the district had over 40 assistant agricultural officers and that when farmers contacted them for doubts and clarifications, they were told that most of them had been transferred.

He urged the district administration to extend the water release from Pechiparai dam until March 30, as the water released in Anathanar canal was delayed last year, affecting the paddy farming multiple ways across the district.

Addressing the concerns, Ms. Alagumeena stated that necessary action would be taken regarding the assignment of assistant agricultural officer. She noted that requests for extension of water release would be discussed with concerned departments and appropriate action would follow.

Vins Anto of Kodhayar Irrigation Committee raised concerns over sub divisional meetings conducted by WRD, stating that the meeting dates were informed only a day in advance and most officials were not present.

The Collector instructed the WRD officials to plan the meetings in advance and notify farmers earlier. She also urged the officials to join the meeting through virtual call if they are unable to attend in person.

Padmanabhapuram Sub Collector Vinay Kumar Meena, District Revenue Officer A. Poongothai and other officials were present.