Kochi, Friday, March 05, 2010: The state government has decided to open the Thanneermukkom Bund and to develop a new agricultural calendar in order to restore the ecological balance of Kuttanad.

Presenting the state budget for the year 2010-11 Thomas Isaac however said great caution has to be taken and consensus should be created while opening the Bund which will be done in an experimental basis.

For those who cultivate as per the new calendar, the government could compensate for any loss of crops through insurance, the Issac said. Agricultural labourers also could be compensated similarly.

According to the Issac two fears were expressed during discussions on this proposal: (1) possibilities of agricultural failure; (2)
drinking water scarcity in summer in the adjoining Panchayats.