15-05-2025
Thoothukudi Collector instructs officials to address farmers' grievances within seven days
Thoothukudi District Collector K. Elambahavath directed the officials to address the petitions submitted by farmers, within seven days. He issued this instruction during the farmers' grievances redress meeting held at the Collectorate on Thursday.
They said that multiple irrigation tanks in the district, including Kadambankulam and Pannaiyarkulam in Sathankulam region, have not received water from Manimuthar 3rd reach canal, resulting in severe drought conditions in the area. The farmers also demanded distribution of subsidised seeds for cotton, maize and sunflower.
Additionally, the farmers alleged that officials are demanding bribes for issuing free housing pattas and called for strict actions against those involved.
The farmers' associations suggested that the 'Thangai' tank in Venkataramanujapuram be brought under the control of PWD for effective water management. The tank currently irrigates around 57 hectares of agricultural land in the region.
They added that many bags of paddy submitted at the Nazareth direct procurement centre on April 11, 2025 were not accounted for and receipts were not issued.
Farmers further urged the reopening of the procurement centre at Cherakulam which had been closed for 20 days before the harvest season concluded. In addition, they requested that Krumeniyar river be linked with Thamirabarani river to ensure continuous flow of water for irrigation.
Responding to the petitions, Mr. Ealmbahavath reitrated that officials had already been instructed to resolve the petitions submitted during grievances meetings within seven days. However, as delays continue, he warned that strict action would be taken against those who fail to comply with the timeline.
He added that removal of Prosopis Juliflora (karuvelam) has already started in Vilathikulam and Pudur blocks and will soon begin in Kovilpatti. The Collector further ordered the RDOs to conduct an inspection of Nazareth, South Thiruperai and Peikulam procurement centres. 'If it is found that paddy was rejected on April 11, but later arrivals were accepted appropriate action will be taken against the staff,' he added.
Furthermore, Mr. Ealambahavath instructed the PWD officials to take farmers to the flood canal and explain the current water release mechanism.
