Fri Dec 27 16:47:36 UTC 2024: ## Sivaganga Farmers Protest Proposed Water Diversion from Vaigai River
**Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, December 27, 2024** – Farmers in Sivaganga district have voiced strong opposition to a proposed integrated drinking water project that would divert water from the Vaigai river to Kariapatti and Mallankinaru in Virudhunagar district. The protest unfolded during a farmers’ grievance redress meeting chaired by Collector Asha Ajith on Friday.
Farmers argued that Sivaganga already faces water scarcity due to insufficient rainfall and receives only a third of its allocated share from the Vaigai dam. Diverting additional water, they fear, would exacerbate the situation, particularly during monsoon failures. They urged the Tamil Nadu state government to abandon the project.
Further concerns were raised regarding industrial development in the SIPCOT industrial estate. Farmers demanded greater consultation before land allotments are made to industries, citing fears of water pollution affecting their irrigation sources. They emphasized their support for industrial growth but stressed the need for environmental protection.
Additional grievances included alleged irregularities in water release in the Periyar channel, leaving many farmers without adequate irrigation, and the inequitable distribution of funds among panchayats in Tirupuvanam union. The Collector has been requested to investigate these matters.
First Piper 