THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state assembly committee set up to estimate the losses in recent floods has recommended a special agriculture package for Wayanad.It has also proposed the formulation of a new land utilization policy for the district and the Kuttanad region, based on a scientific study.The report, tabled by the committee headed by legislator S Sharma, also recommended to direct the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) to conduct a detailed study on the ecological changes brought about by the floods and rain-related calamities in Wayanad."Based on such a report, the land utilization policy-for agriculture and construction- should be revised, and the details should be made available to the public," the report recommended.Suggesting a special agriculture package for the district, the report pointed out widespread damage to water pumps used for irrigation and called for immediate release of adequate funds from the chief minister's distress relief fund (CMDRF) for their restoration. "An additional amount of Rs10 crore should be allocated to the district as disaster relief fund," the report said.The committee recommended glass fiber reinforced gypsum (GFRG) technology, which is cost-effective and environment-friendly, for future constructions in places affected by landslides in the district. "The future constructions in flood-affected areas should not be blocking the smooth flow of water bodies," the report said.With regard to future constructions in Wayanad, the committee also recommended initiatives to prevent illegal constructions in forest areas and to ensure implementation of revised restrictions and rules with regard to waste management, especially in tourism destinations.Assessing the losses in Kuttanad area, the committee found that the floods destroyed 10,830 hectares of plantain and that only a partial disbursement of compensation had been carried out. Recommending immediate release of the remaining amount, the committee also asked for immediate compensation for losses suffered by fish and duck farmers.Another major recommendations from the committee are revision of the agriculture calendar based on the changes in farm practices. "The farmers should be informed of the changes through 'Karshaka Samithis', and awareness campaigns," the report said.On rebuilding the tourism sector in Kuttanad area, the report suggested the government should examine the possibilities of responsible tourism, 'which is said to be much eco-friendlier'."A team of experts should be sent to the flood-affected areas to study about the changes on land and to formulate a new policy on land utilization. The details of such studies and polices should be imparted to people through 'Grama Sabhas' and 'Karshaka Samithis'," the report said.

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