Farmers from tail-end of PAP Main Canal stage sit-in protest at WRD Office condemning ‘inaction’ to complaints of water theft

: Farmers from Kangayam-Vellakovil belt, the tail-end of the PAP (Parambikulam Aliyar Project) Main canal, staged a sit-in protest on Monday at the office of the Executive Engineer of Water Resources Department in Pollachi, demanding definite action against water theft along the main canal, and ensuring rectification of the flow into Vellakovil Branch Canal.

Representing the protesters, president of PAP Vellakovil Branch Water Conservation Association P. Velusamy said the protest was necessitated by the reluctance of the Water Resources Department to fulfil its promise of timely action on the water theft. Farmers in the tail-end have been denied of their due share of water for 30 years.

The Water Resources Department has not acted on those involved in water theft despite being provided with complete information, he said.

Despite the copious rainfall in the catchment areas of Thirumoorthy Dam, the farmers in the tail-end continued to face drought-like situation. Since the talks with the officials did not make any headway, the farmers continued their sit-in protest late into the night.