Mon May 26 15:04:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Farmers in the Srivaikuntam ‘Vadakaal’ irrigation area of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, are demanding the immediate release of more water into the irrigation canal to save their crops, particularly banana plantations. Water supply was halted after March 31 for maintenance work on canals damaged in the 2023 monsoon floods. While water was released last week after farmer appeals, the quantity is insufficient, leaving many tanks dry and crops withering. Farmers are requesting a minimum of 800 cusecs of water, while the Water Resources Department stated it had released 300 cusecs and that it will take 15 days for tanks to fill in the region and that 50% of canal restoration work is done and that the remaining work will be finished soon.
**News Article:**
**Thoothukudi Farmers Plead for Water to Save Withering Crops**
*Thoothukudi, May 26, 2025* – Desperate farmers in the Srivaikuntam ‘Vadakaal’ irrigation area of Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, are urging authorities to immediately release more water into the irrigation canal to rescue their rapidly deteriorating crops. Members of the All India Kisan Sabha submitted a petition at the Collectorate today, highlighting the critical situation.
According to Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association District Secretary P. Puviraj, over 12,000 acres of agricultural land are reliant on the ‘Vadakaal’ canal. Water supply was suspended after March 31st for maintenance work following damage sustained during the 2023 monsoon floods. While farmers acknowledge the need for repairs, they argue that the subsequent water release has been woefully inadequate.
“Even after a week, tanks in Peykulam, Kulayankarisal, Athimarapatti and Korampallam have not received a drop of water,” Mr. Puviraj stated, adding that lakhs of plantains are withering due to the acute water shortage. He emphasized the need for a minimum of 800 cusecs of water to be released to ensure irrigation feasibility.
In response, an official from the Water Resource Department stated that water release was delayed to facilitate necessary repairs on the damaged canal infrastructure. They have released 300 cusecs of water in response to the farmers, stating that it will take approximately 15 days for the water to reach all areas. They added that 50% of the restoration work had been completed and that the remaining work will be finished soon.
The plight of these farmers underscores the delicate balance between infrastructure maintenance and the immediate needs of the agricultural community, raising concerns about potential crop losses if a sufficient water supply is not ensured soon. The situation remains tense as farmers await a decisive response from authorities.
First Piper 