Farmers of Kangayam-Vellakovil belt in the tail-end of PAP Main Canal on Saturday (June 20) apprised the Minister for Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare K.G. Arunraj of the sufferings they go through to secure their rightful share of water for irrigation.

The long-term survival of thousands of farmers was at stake, they said, alleging that the Water Resources Department was not acting on complaints of water diversion upstream in contravention of PAP norms and High Court directives.

Criticising WRD officials of withholding water-distribution data at the behest of influential groups, P. Velusamy, president of PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal Water Conservation Association, urged Mr. Arunraj, who is the In-Charge Minister for Tiruppur district, to bring about a thorough probe into the issue.