Demand for immediate release of water from Vaigai dam for the double-crop regions in Madurai and allegations about illegal tapping of water released from Mullaperiyar dam before it reaches Vaigai dam dominated the farmers' grievance meeting here on Friday.
M. Murugan, president, Periyar Single Crop Area Farmers' Association, said that while only 4000 mcft of water in Periyar credit was needed to release water for the 45,000 acre of double-crop region in Madurai, there was presently an additional 1,000 mcft of water available.
“We are not sure why the Public Works Department (PWD) is delaying the release of water for Madurai when they are prompt in releasing water to Cumbum valley,” he said.
M. Tirupathi, a farmer from Kulamangalam, said that the farmers had no other go but to protest if the water is not released by June 25, 2018.
“If they delay the release, it will become useless for farmers,” he claimed.
R. Gunalan, District Revenue Officer, who presided over the meeting, said that a report has already been sent to the government about the present availability of water and a favourable decision about release of water was expected soon.
The farmers also raised the issue of illegal tapping of water.
R. Arul Pragasam, a farmer, who is part of Periyar Irrigation Planning Committee, alleged that the PWD had issued no-objection certificates to 23 packaged-water plants in and around Vaigai dam, which were ‘stealing’ water released from Mullaperiyar dam.
Pointing out that there was gross mismatch between the outflow from the Mullaperiyar dam and the inflow that was reaching the Vaigai dam, he demanded stringent action on the issue.
Though PWD officials were unable to provide a convincing reply on the reasons for the mismatch, a senior official from PWD, however, said that the Theni district administration has recently seized 80 pumps that were used to illegally tap water.
“Action is being taken whenever illegal tapping of water is found,” he added.
Non-availability of work under Mahatma National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, issues in the implementation of kudimaramath scheme, and encroachments on water bodies were other key issues that were discussed in the meeting.
