Fri Nov 22 12:56:50 UTC 2024: **Tirunelveli Farmers Demand Irrigation Water, Raise Other Concerns at Grievance Meeting**
TIRUNELVELI, November 22, 2024 – Farmers in Tirunelveli district staged a protest on Friday, demanding the release of water from the Kodumudiyar reservoir for irrigation. With the reservoir at only 38 feet, farmers say their dry lands are in urgent need of water for the upcoming pisanam crop. While District Collector K. P. Karthikeyan acknowledged the need, he stated that a government order is required to release water from the dam and the modalities need examination. The TN Vivasayigal Sangam State vice president urged the administration for immediate action.
The meeting also addressed other pressing issues. While 26 of 32 direct purchase centers (DPCs) are functioning and have purchased 5,989 metric tonnes of paddy this season, farmers complained about unavailable DAP urea, officials recommending specific brands for subsidized farm equipment, and a lack of compensation for crops lost due to recent floods (attributed by officials to farmers ignoring planting guidelines). Further, a road widening request was made for the Ramayanpatti to Sankarankoil stretch to alleviate congestion and prevent accidents. The meeting included various district officials from the forest department, revenue department and agriculture department.
First Piper 