The picture painted by Sunita Narain in her column, "Smell the river in your coffee" (July 18), needs to take factories other than those processing coffee into consideration. Kodagu area falls into the catchment of the Cauvery river, the water distribution of which has led to disputes in riparian states.
However, a settlement has been made, therefore, any disturbance in distribution might end in cries, as in the past. Physical change by increasing shade coffee production requires the consent of beneficiaries. In the same way, intercepting the run-off by enhancing recharging also creates a problem. This point should be considered while enhancing groundwater recharging.
The other point highlighted in the piece is the low production rate per acre of shade coffee in comparison to sun coffee. In this case, there is a need to consider the benefits derived from plantation of trees. The option of switching to sun coffee should be considered. Present circumstances are the result of prevailing conditions.
Sushil Bakliwal, Jaipur
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