The livelihood of farmers of over 20 villages had been affected as water had not been discharged to save standing paddy, banana and other crops, K. Krishnasamy, president, Puthiya Tamilagam and Ottapidaram MLA.
Addressing media persons here on Wednesday, he said farmers from Athimarapatti, Kulayankarisal and other villages had been demanding release of water through North Main Channel from Papanasam dam in vain. These farmers were also affected by the floods in November last year. After losing several acres of farm lands to flood, they were facing a drought-like situation now.Even when there was a good storage of water in the dam, the Public Works Department authorities were reluctant to discharge the required amount of water.
Moreover, several villages were reeling under drinking water scarcity for the past four months. Though there was good rainfall during last monsoon, water from Tamirabharani was not utilised properly.
Dr. Krishnasamy accused the Thoothukudi Collector of favouring the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. It was a challenging task for the Election Commission to prevent distribution of cash or freebies to voters. AIADMK cadres had been attempting to bribe voters and at any cost it should be prevented since ‘money’ was the only weapon the AIADMK was relying on now, he said.
