TIRUPPUR/ERODE: Farmers from Tiruppur and Erode districts who benefit from the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) and Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) will publicise their demands to political parties in Kangeyam on April 10.
They have decided to unite as a single front in the run-up to the election.
P Velusamy, President of PAP Vellakoil Branch Canal Water Conservation Movement said, "Every time during elections, whether it is the ruling or the opposition party, they make some poll promises for the farmers at the state level. But, they do not care about the local issues of farmers or give importance to their problems at the constituency level."
"For example, there are various irregularities in water distribution at the tail-end of the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) in Tiruppur district. We have complained about this several times, but no action has been taken. Similarly, we have been consistently advocating for an increase in the water-carrying capacity of the Contour Canal, which is bringing water to the Thirumurthy Dam under the PAP. Micro-irrigation systems must be implemented under the PAP," he added.
He further said that permanent compensation for livestock killed by stray dogs is also a part of their demands. "Since the parties are not ready to listen to our demands, the farmers' associations have decided to unite as a single front to present our demands to the candidates and secure appropriate assurances. On April 10, we will gather in Kangeyam to discuss and release our election demands."
M Ravi, Coordinator of Lower Bhavani Irrigation Conservation Movement, said, "Implementing the Pandiyar-Punnampuzha river-linking project has been our long-standing demand. We are also continuing to put forward demands, including that the LBP canal be maintained as an earthen canal, that the discharge of sewage into the Bhavani River be prevented, and that water be released concurrently from the Lower Bhavani Dam for all irrigation purposes. We will gather in Kangeyam and jointly press our demands," he added.
KS Thirugnanasampandan, the Chief Coordinator of Noyyal Farmers' Protection Association, said, "We have been continuously fighting for the demand to prevent sewage from entering the Noyyal River and to protect it. We will also participate in this gathering of farmers and express our support. There are 20 Assembly constituencies dependent on the Noyyal. Political parties must keep this in mind."