Kattappana: Water Resource Minister Roshy Augustine on Monday announced the implementation of drinking water projects that will utilise water from reservoirs, including Idukki and Ponmudi to address potable water shortage in the state.  

"The Rs 3,000 crore drinking water project launched in Idukki will be completed within a year", the Minister said while inaugurating the first of a series of farmers’ meetings (Karshaka Sabha) at Kattappana. These meetings are organised statewide to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Karshakasree magazine, published by Malayala Manorama.

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On the occasion, Augustine added that rules for the Land Assignment Amendment Act will be framed to address land-related issues in Idukki before March. Compensation will be provided to farmers for crop losses during the summer season.

"The loss of cardamom crops last summer amounted to over Rs 10 crore. Though compensation was initially planned through the Idukki package, it was soon realised that a legal amendment was required. Prompt action will be taken to address this," the minister said.

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Agriculture Minister P Prasad also assured that the key issues raised during these Karshaka Sabhas will be given due consideration by the state government.

The meeting was presided over by Jose Panachipuram, editorial director of Malayala Manorama. Notable speakers included Beena Tomy, chairperson of the Kattappana Municipality, Vinod Nair, chief news editor at Malayala Manorama, T K Sunil Kumar, editor-in-charge of Karshakasree, Shaji J Kannikkatt, managing director of K J Joseph & Company.

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