Project Hyacinth at Kodaganallur

MAnava sEva mAdhava sEvamakkaL sEvai mahEsan sEvai

Project Hyacinth at Kodaganallur

January 2004


Background Tamraparni the only perennial river in good

flow today in the State River entirely in Tamilnadu – no disputes The lifeline of the Southern districts – caters

to needs of people over a wide area Ancient river – references in ancient

puranas


Physical data Tamraparni 125 kms in length Originates in the Periya Podigai peaks

in the Western ghats, fed by both monsoons

Has numerous tributaries including the Peyar, Ullar, Karaiyar, Servalar and the Pambar

Drains an area of 4400 sq.km.


Physical data


IrrigationS.No Name of Anaicut Regd. Ayacut (hctrs) Name of channels

1 Kodaimelaalagain anaicut 1281.67 1. South Kodaimelalagain

channel

2. North Kodaimelalagain

2 Nathiyunni anaicut 1049.37 Nathiyunni channel

3 Kannadian anaicut 2266.69 Kannadian channel

4 Ariyanayagipuram anaicut 4767.30 Kodagan channel

5 Palavur anaicut 3557.26 Palayam channel

6 Suthamalli anaicut 2559.69 Tirunelveli channel

7 Marudur anaicut 7175.64 1. Marudur Melakkal

2. Marudur

Keelakal


Problems identified by Government


Discussions by Government


Problems we see River loosing depth and width Plenty of floating weeds and vegetation on

the banks Water tastes different, pests cause skin

problems

Slide show


The Floating Weed – Water Hyacinth (Eichornea crassipes)

FAO report states: Appearance of the weed shows the highly distressed state

of the ecosystem Water hyacinth gains 5% in weight everyday Two parent plants produce 30 offspring in 23 days resulting

in 12000 plants – a total weight of 470 tons in 4 months Atleast 80% of the plant body is water – some 370 tons Per capita availability of water in India is 1/3 of what it was

two decades ago


Ecological Impact“Water hyacinth forms large, free-floating,

monospecific mats that compete with other aquatic species for light, nutrients, and oxygen. Mats reduce dissolved oxygen levels and light and significantly alter invertebrate and vertebrate communities. As biomass from mats decomposes, organic input to sediments increases dramatically. Fish spawning areas may be reduced and critical waterfowl habitat may be degraded” (Gopal 1987).


Economic and Human Impact Reduces flow in drainage canals Impedes flow in Irrigation canals by

clogging pumps Water flow patterns are disrupted Interferes with navigation Decomposed mats increase

sedimentation and decrease dissolved levels of oxygen


Management Options Prevention through public awareness Chemical method – least favoured for its

long-term impact on Environment Physical control – using large machinery –

expensive for large infestations Biological control – a long-term, slow

solution.

Movie clip (not available on net)


Morning Glory on the banks Large infestations and rapid growth Called veli kathan as it prevents cattle from

grazing into fields Sap from plant poisonous, can cause

disease Serves no purpose on the banks except

drain river water, and fill beautiful stretches of sand with vegetation


Prevention of Weed growth Need to create awareness among

community As river is in flow, 100% solution would

mean physically clearing 125 km stretch – a Herculean task for the community

Hence approached the Government – the Collector of Tirunelveli Mr. Paliwal.


The Government Perspective “Flow is being maintained as always” “Farmers are not complaining that they don’t

get enough water” “Our river is reaching people right upto Madurai” “Perhaps there is reduction in width and depth

of river” “Physical removal is not a permanent solution –

unless community prevents the spread of the weed”

That is, in the short-term, there is no issue.


The Government Assurance to a Committed Community

Take up a “pilot” project in our panchayat (3 km of river)

Clear all weed under namakku naame scheme – with 75% funding from Government

Ensure regular removal of weeds in prevention – using NSS volunteers.


Why Now? Total cost of project, as estimated by PWD,

Rs. 3 lakhs Community funding upto Rs. 75000 to be

deposited with Collectorate for further release of funds and implementation of project under supervision

Paramakalyani College at Alwarkurichi willing to convert weeds into compost

When Government has pledged support, why not now?


Pros and ConsPros Cons

Generates interest in community

Not a permanent solution as Kodag is mid-stream

A sustained project makes Government look at problem at macro level

Lot depends on local community support and involvement

It’s our way to show WE CARE and will do something about it

Need for diplomacy while dealing with Government

Albeit for a brief period, employment is generated for the local community


Time Frame•Strike when the iron is hot – hence Weed removal to happen in March 2004

•Funding from this financial year’s allocation to be tapped

•Hence application with community funding of Rs. 75000 to reach the Collectorate by 10 Feb.


Issues resolved at Kodag group meeting (18 Jan)

•How do we raise funds? : Contributions from Kodak-ites

•Who controls collection?: Chitra Vasudevan in Chennai

•How do we maintain transparency?: All contributions to be reported on daily basis on the internet in Kodag website

•Who will co-ordinate with Panchayat President?: Trustee/President of temple now in the village, shall

•How do we oversee operations at the village?: A team of volunteers to be present there

•How do we ensure community awareness?: All contributors to be provided with a sticker – Say Yes to Water, No to Weed on Tamraparni

•What are the tentative datelines? 31 Jan for fund-raising

Project Hyacinth at Kodaganallur

Documents

Transcript of Project Hyacinth at Kodaganallur