The state government is set to undertake a massive eco-restoration exercise to rejuvenate large swathes of land severely affected by flood, landslide and soil erosion in six districts. The project will cover around 22,134 hectares worst affected by flooding, soil erosion, and siltation in Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Kozhikode. The project will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 57.03 crore. Further, around 707 hectares of landslide/landslip/land subsidence-affected areas would be revived through eco-friendly sustainable practices at an estimated cost of Rs 3.91 crore. Department of soil survey and soil conservation along with local self- government department will undertake the project within 2-3 years. The government has accorded administrative sanction for implementing the project titled 'eco-restoration of flood/landslide-affected areas in the state through soil and water conservation measures'. As per the project document, the torrential rains and floods during August 2018 had damaged agricultural lands resulting in loss worth crores of rupees. The state was hit by around 1,000 landslides in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts damaging large tracts of agricultural fields rendering cultivation impossible. The fertile topsoil has been completely washed away from the upper reaches along with the floodwater. Most of the rivers were flooded and overflowing with massive silt deposition. The drainage course which was mostly blocked due to faulty land-use practices resulted in large-scale drainage meandering. The loss of fertile topsoil has hit the agriculture sector badly with crop loss and fall in agricultural production, the document notes. The main objective of the project is to prevent loss of fertile topsoil, promoting scientific moisture conservation for facilitating the safe disposal of excess water in a systematic manner. Thrust will be given to a watershed model of development of the affected areas. The drainage channels would be cleared to ensure a free flow of water. Agroforestry, agrostology, planting of indigenous plant species would be taken up on a massive scale to promote revegetation and also to ensure proper soil binding. The project document mentions the establishment of green cover to reduce the carbon footprint and help in climate change mitigation. The sides of drainage courses would be reinforced with vegetative measures and geo-textiles for preventing drainage meandering. The revival of water bodies/ponds would be taken up to improve water- holding capacity, preventing instances of flash floods and providing water for irrigation and domestic use. The services of rural employment guarantee scheme workers would be utilized while executing low-cost soil-based activities. The project would be implemented under the guidance of district soil conservation officer/assistant director of soil conservation of the district concerned. Source - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com