Mon May 05 14:55:48 UTC 2025: ## Thoothukudi Farmers Demand Canal Restoration, Puthirai Vannar Community Seeks Housing Assistance

**Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, May 5, 2025** – Farmers in the Srivaikuntam region of Thoothukudi district are demanding immediate action to restore damaged irrigation canals, crucial for their betel leaf and banana plantations. A petition submitted to the district collector on Monday highlighted the disruption caused by ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) restoration work on canals and bunds affected by the 2023 floods. The farmers claim that the “Vadakaal Pasanam” canal, their primary water source, has been impacted, leaving 1,500 acres of farmland without adequate irrigation during a critical growing season. Despite contacting PWD officials 25 days ago, no action has been taken, prompting the farmers to threaten a demonstration if the issue remains unresolved.

Separately, 36 families from the Puthirai Vannar Community in Bharathinagar and Melapatti areas near Kovilpatti submitted a petition requesting the government to provide free house pattas through the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department. The petition detailed their impoverished living conditions, highlighting that they are currently without homes and living in extreme poverty in rented accommodations.

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