Water for irrigation may be released in all probabilities by November 1, said District Collector Anshul Mishra in Madurai on Friday.
Speaking at the farmers’ grievances meeting here, he said that in the event of adequate water storage in the reservoirs, the farmers could rest assured of release on the above date for carrying out farm activities this season. Proposal for the release has already been sent to the State government for its nod, he said replying to a query from the farmers.
On the claims of some farmers that due to non-release of water they had incurred a loss, he said a survey had just commenced.
Based on the results, the government would be briefed and compensations announced.
When some farmers appealed to the Collector to intervene and get them the timings for supply of power without any interruptions, he said, the TANGEDCO authorities would be apprised and hoped, the rains would also improve the power situation. Presently, electricity was being supplied for three hours in day time to facilitate drawing water from wells to the fields, he informed.
To complaints that many water tanks were being encroached upon by some granite quarry operators, he said that the authorities would certainly take action as per the law, but insisted on a written complaint with evidence that there was an encroachment.
On dengue outbreak, he appealed to the farmers to keep their surroundings clean. “Just 10 ml of water stored in some unused container like coconut shell or a tyre is enough to produce 2 lakh mosquitoes, which may transmit the dangerous virus…Kindly cooperate with the officials in preventing the breeding of mosquitoes,” he added.
A power point presentation on various government schemes and subsidies offered to the farmers were screened .
The officials also explained alternative crops in the event of less rainfall. Instead of leaving the land dry, the farmers were encouraged to take up new varieties which would reap in revenue. Joint Director (Agriculture) Rajendran, Special Deputy Collector Arumuga Nainar, PA (to Collector) Jaisingh Gnanadurai and Devadas Bose and other officials participated.
