The Irrigation department on Thursday opened 10 shutters of the Thanneermukkom barrage to release excess water from Kuttanad. Officials said the shutters that were opened in the morning were closed by the evening. The shutters will be opened and closed according to high and low tides till April 12.
The decision to regulate the functioning of the shutters of the bund was taken following concerns over the rising water level in Kuttanad caused by downpours and an increase in flow of water from the eastern side. The move, according to officials, will prevent flooding of low-lying areas in Kuttanad and save 'puncha' crop (first crop) from getting submerged.
The harvesting of paddy cultivated in the 'puncha' crop season, which began in February, is going full throttle in Kuttanad and other parts of the district. The summer showers, however, have affected the process in several places and farmers are worried for their crops.
