7 days ago
Opposition to the SIPCOT project in Vembur continues
A Farmers' association from Thoothukudi submitted a petition at the district collectorate on Monday, demanding the withdrawal of the proposed SIPCOT project in Vembur and nearby villages.
According to the petition, Vembur village comprises several hamlets including Ramasamipuram, Azhagapuri, Kodangipatti where almost 900 families are residing. Most of these families are dependent on agriculture, and livestock for their livelihood.
It stated that the government had initiated acquisition of lands in the area that had around 13 village ponds and several canals. The implementation of the project would affect these water bodies and threaten the primary water sources for residents of Vembur and surrounding villages.
Association president M. Rajesh urged the government to consider using the land already acquired near Vembur for the project instead. He added that few people, owning barren land had agreed for the negotiation, but the majority continues to resist the project, fearing the loss of fertile agricultural land. 'Villagers have been told the SIPCOT project will help create job opportunities, which has led some to agree to the negotiations,' he noted.
He also emphasised that one of the most important native breeds of sheep, found in Vembur relies on this agricultural land for grazing. The proposed project would disrupt the habitat and threaten the survival of this breed.
Speaking on this, an official from the Revenue department said that many landowners had accepted the compensation offered by the government and only few are protesting the project. The official added that most of the people against the project have their land near to the bypass road, which holds higher market value.
