The members of Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association staged a demonstration in Thoothukudi on Friday, demanding the release of water to save withering crops irrigated under Srivaikuntam dam’s Northern Canal irrigation system.

The protest was held for the second time this year on the same issue, within a span of 15 days.

According to the protestors, around 12,000 acres of agricultural lands are irrigated through the Northern Canal system. However, due to inadequate water supply at major tanks, including Peikulam, Kulayankarisal and Athimarapatti, paddy, banana and other crops cultivated on nearly 6,000 acres have begun to wither at a crucial stage, just before the harvest.

Puviraj, district secretary, Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association said that farmers had been seeking the release of water for the past one month to save their crops, but no action had been taken.

“A petition has been submitted during the weekly grievance redress meeting last month. Subsequently, owing to the delay in action a road blockade protest was announced on May 21. However, during the talks held at the RDO office in Thoothukudi on May 20, it was assured that water would be released within two days. As the assurance was not fulfilled, another road blockade protest was organised on May 29. Yet the issue remains unaddressed,” he added.

The protestors pointed out that the recent rainfall in Ghat areas has significantly increased the water levels in Papanasam and Manimuthar dams. They urged the authorities to take immediate steps to release water to the Srivaikuntam dam for the benefit of farmers in the region.

Following the protest, talks were held with the officials. “During the discussions farmers were informed that Thoothukudi district administration had recommended to the State government through an official letter that water be released for the district,” Mr. Puviraj said. Subsequently farmers withdrew their protest.