The integrated watershed development programme in the Payyannur block here is set to enter its next phase as 30 of the 53 works in the first phase have been completed.
A press release here on Tuesday said that the works included activities aimed at recharging groundwater wells and river bank protection. Various watersheds in the Eramam- Kuttoor and Kadannappally- Panappuzha grama panchayats in the block were included in the programme.
The release said that groundwater recharging works had been carried out in open wells having lower water level. Streams in four watershed systems in the area had been cleaned and trees were planted on their banks, it said adding that cloth bags were distributed in all the households in the area to make it plastic-free.
As part of the programme, 3,000 saplings were disbursed among students in different schools in the block. Awareness classes and contests were also conducted and films featuring ecological concerns were screened.
Payyannur block secretary P.M. Rajiv said sign boards highlighting environmental messages would be displayed in the watershed areas. Booklets carrying information on the programme and other writings on environmental protection had been printed for distribution, he said in the release. Awareness classes were conducted for local-level watershed committees, self-help groups, and Kudumbasree units.
Source: The Hindu, 23 October 2013