Thu Dec 26 13:31:48 UTC 2024: ## Over 100 Tamil Nadu Farmers Arrested During Protest for River Protection
**Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu –** Over 100 farmers were arrested on Thursday in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, while attempting a two-day protest march to raise concerns about the pollution of the Koushika river and three dams in the district. The Cauvery Vaigai Kiruthumal Gundar Irrigation Farmers’ Federation organized the march, demanding immediate action to prevent sewage from contaminating the water sources.
The farmers, led by federation president R. Rampandian and secretary A. Gopalakrishnan, claimed that sewage pollution affects 17,400 acres of farmland dependent on the river and dams. Police prevented the march, citing a lack of permission, and arrested the protestors, including federation general secretary M. Arjunan.
The Federation’s demands include a survey of the Koushika river, removal of encroachments, prevention of garbage dumping, and prosecution of those responsible for the pollution. The protest highlights the ongoing struggle of farmers in the region to protect their livelihoods and the environment.
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