Tue Jan 20 15:31:29 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Farmers Protest Graphite Extraction in Sivaganga, Citing Environmental and Livelihood Concerns

The Story:

Farmers near Sivaganga are staging protests against a private entity’s planned graphite extraction in the Iluppakudi area. The project, awarded in November 2023, involves acquiring 633.5 hectares of land across the villages of Kumarapatti, Arasanur, and Iluppakudi. Protesters express concerns over the loss of agricultural land and depletion of water resources. They point to previous land acquisitions in the region, including land for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Arasanur SIPCOT industrial estate, as evidence of increasing pressure on local livelihoods.

The protests, which began in phases on December 29 and January 7, have garnered support from various political parties. A large-scale demonstration was recently organized in Iluppakudi by the Coordination Committee of All Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Associations. Farmers’ Association leader P.R. Pandian and Mullai Periyar-Vaigai Irrigation Farmers Association General Secretary Adhimoolam are urging the government to scrap the project, emphasizing the farmers’ determination to continue their struggle.

Key Points:

  • Farmers in Sivaganga are protesting against graphite mining by a private company.
  • The project involves acquiring 633.5 hectares of agricultural land.
  • Protesters fear environmental damage and loss of livelihood.
  • Protests have been ongoing since December 2025.
  • Political parties like AIADMK and Communist parties are supporting the protests.
  • Key figures like P.R. Pandian and Adhimoolam are leading the demonstrations.
  • Previous land acquisitions in the region are exacerbating the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Conflicts over land use continue to be a significant issue in Tamil Nadu, pitting development projects against agricultural communities.
  • Farmers are increasingly vocal in their opposition to projects they perceive as threatening their livelihoods and environment.
  • The protests demonstrate the growing power of farmers’ associations and their ability to mobilize large-scale demonstrations.
  • The involvement of political parties highlights the potential for this issue to become a significant political battleground.
  • The existing land acquistions in the region could signal that more agricultural land may be developed.

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