PULPALLY: Kerala has left a golden chance slip out of their hands which Karnataka made the most of. Kabini River, one of the major tributaries of the river Cauvery in southern India, faced ignorance from Kerala while Karnataka decided to utilize it. They roped in a series of development works, including electricity and drinking water to the scarce regions of the state.

Kerala has hitherto not shown any interest in preserving the water from Kabani and using it for irrigation works. The ignorance proved costly as the famous pepper plantations in Pulpally are now scorched. Chekadi, famous for paddy fields, also suffered from drought. The district is heading towards the worst drought akin to 2016.

The overflowing Kabani was the saving grace for Pulpally and Mullankolli regions. About 4000 farmers are affected by the drought. The loss suffered would amount to more than 30 crore rupees.

There are about 20 check dams for irrigation in the Kannaram River, Kadaman Thot and Muddalli Thot that flow into Kabani, but most of them do not have shutters. All of them flow into Kabani and reach Karnataka.

The water flowing through the Kabani will be stored in the Beechanahally Dam in Karnataka, right on the border. With the onset of summer, the water will be opened for agricultural purposes in scorched areas. The water level in Kabani on the Kerala side will drop sharply, which will be a blow to Wayanad.

Using water from Kabani, Karnataka runs two power plants through the Beechanahally Dam. An area of ​​3,45,729 hectares is irrigated. Drinking water in Bengaluru and Mysore is also used from Kabani. This is incongruous as Wayanad, where Kabani originates, is facing scarcity for drinking water.