As South-West monsoon has unfurled its full fury across the state, R-Block, an island built up in the model of the dikes of Holland and a striking example of indigenous know-how, may become history. The 1,500-odd acres of land which has been used for cultivation and habitation, have almost completely submerged in the waters of Vembanad. The negligence from the part of authorities concerned, who are oblivious to the issues in the area, has worsened the situation.
The artificial island, which was made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level after land was reclaimed from backwaters, is protected by dikes built around it. Cash crops, including nut-mug, clove, cocoa and crops including banana, have been cultivated here. This is made possible by draining water from the land using 22 motors that range in power from 30 HP to 60 HP, set up around 70 years ago. However, due to the incessant rain and the resultant rise in water level, along with the frequent power failures, have affected the the functioning of the motors. This has resulted in an alarming rise in water level.
“During monsoon, we have to operate some of the motors round-the-clock to control the water level. However, due to frequent power failure, we have been unable to ensure round-the-clock operation of motors. This is for the first time in the history of the island that such a crisis is happening,” said Sanujan, one of the senior-most farmers based here. As many as 48 families and 500-odd farmers have been left in the lurch, as the situation keeps worsening. Although most of the crops have been damaged, officials are unable to assess the loss due to accessibility issues.
While KSEB officials have already washed of their hands citing technical difficulties in ensuring uninterrupted power supply, District Collector became aware of the crisis only after the situation worsened. Though nine out of the 22 motors, which were functional till April, have been defunct for more than two months, the Agriculture Department and district administration were reportedly unaware of it. “Farmers came to us only when the crisis spiraled out of control. Some of the motors have been defunct for several years. The situation deteriorated when the rest of the motors were not enough to drain the water out,” said District Collector N Padmakumar.
The district administration will convene a meeting at the Kainakary grama panchayat on July 3 to chalk out an action plan. MLA Thomas Chandy will chair the meeting.