As the paddy procured from the farmers of Manur panchayat union in the district is getting drenched in the isolated summer showers as the harvested foodgrain bags have been kept in open, the farmers have appealed to District Collector R. Sukumar to take steps to immediately move it to safety.

They also urged the Collector to disburse the amount for the procured paddy to the farmers, who sold their paddy in three direct procurement centres in Manur union.

In a petition submitted to the Collector during the weekly grievances redress meet held at the Collectorate on Monday, farmer Y. Devadasan of Kanarpatti near Manur said paddy direct procurement centres were opened at Ramayanpatti, Manur and Azhagiapandiapuram for purchasing the paddy harvested in the last ‘pisanam’ season. However, the procured paddy, instead of being taken to the godowns immediately, had been allowed to get drenched in the summer showers and dried in the sweltering heat. Hence, the district administration should make it mandatory creation of sheds at the direct procurement centres to safely store the paddy procured from the farmers to save the procured foodgrains from rain and shine.

The farmers also appealed to the Collector to ensure the early disbursal of money for the paddy procured from the farmers.

“Since most of the farmers had raised paddy after getting loans from the cooperative banks, they are waiting indefinitely for the settlement of the amount,” said Mr. Devadasan.

On behalf of Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyar Sangam, its district vice-president M.C. Thangavelu submitted a petition seeking either permanent closure or shifting of the Tasmac’s liquor shop (shop number 10,649) located on the North Bypass Road in the midst of residential areas, temples, hospital and a fuel station.

“This liquor shop has been set-up near the residential areas, Sri Ulagamman Temple, Kombu Madasamy Temple and Sai Baba Temple. Apart from this, a private hospital and a fuel station are located close to this liquor shop. Hence, the Collector should order either the permanent closure or at least the shifting of this shop to somewhere else considering the safety of the public coming to these places,” said Mr. Thangavelu.

Another petition seeking the restoration of the badly damaged rural road, popularly known as ‘Mangammal Salai’, between AF Quarry and Pallamadai village intersection near Manur was also submitted. The petition said the residents of Madathupatti, Karuppanoothu, Vellappaneri, Achchampatti, Moovirunthali, Sundankurichi, Mela Ilanthaikulam, Kattaarankulam, Pillaiyarkulam, Pallamadai and Nanchankulam would be immensely benefited if this badly damaged road was re-laid.

Since the residents of these villages are taking a circuitous route to reach Tirunelveli and thereby travelling for 15 more kilometre, the ‘Mangammal Salai’ should be re-laid, the petition said.