MDMK general secretary Vaiko has announced that he would go on a hunger strike on June 5, demanding that the damages to the Shenbagavalli Dam and its main canals in Kerala be repaired.  

Pointing out that water stored in a dam built in 1773 AD across the Shenbagavalli river — which originates in the Western Ghats — benefits farmers in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Mr. Vaiko called for the repair of cracks that appeared in the dam around 1935 and the reconstruction of a breached portion of the main canal. 

Highlighting that the water from the Shenbagavalli river serves as a source for drinking water and irrigation in Sivagiri, Sankarankovil, and Rajapalayam, he noted that although the cracks in the dam were partially repaired in 1955, the main canals were never fully restored.  

Mr. Vaiko stated that during Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran’s tenure, the issue was brought to the attention of the Kerala government, which agreed to the repairs. Despite the Tamil Nadu government allocating the necessary funds, the work has not commenced for a long time.  Expressing concern, Mr. Vaiko mentioned that he has met with Kerala Chief Ministers multiple times to raise this demand, yet no work has taken place. 

As a result, farmers in the Sivagiri and Sankarankovil regions are struggling due to the lack of irrigation water. Therefore, urging the Tamil Nadu government to hold talks with the Kerala government to repair the Shenbagavalli Dam, as well as demanding the removal of wild boars — which destroy crops — from the list of wild animals, he has announced a fasting protest with farmers on June 5 at Vasudeva Nallur in Tenkasi district.