Salt producers, workers seek withdrawal of case

Salt producers and workers on Monday submitted a petition at the District Collectorate, urging the authorities to withdraw the ‘false case’ registered against salt-pan workers.

The petition was submitted at the weekly grievance redressal meeting chaired by Collector Vishu Mahajan.

The salt producers and workers were led by V. Manthiramoorthy, president, Kovalam Pasuvantharai Thanpaadu Small Scale Salt Producers Association.

In the petition, they said they had been producing salt for more than 93 years after legally obtaining 4,501 acres of land in Mullakadu-1, Maullakadu-2 villages on lease from the government. They alleged that the government was now attempting to acquire the land for setting up a shipbuilding yard. As their livelihood would be affected by the proposed acquisition, they had been continuously protesting against the government’s move and had also approached the court.

The petitioners alleged that on August 8, the Village Administrative Officer-incharge (VAO) of Mullakadu entered a salt pan wearing footwear. The workers questioned her as to why she had entered the salt pan without prior notice and alleged that the salt being cultivated had been damaged. The VAO reportedly replied that she had entered the salt pan as part of survey work and she had all the right to do her work.

“Meanwhile, based on a complaint lodged by the in-charge Village Administrative Officer (VAO) of Mullakadu, the Muthaiahpuram police registered a case against over five innocent salt-pan workers, alleging that they prevented and threatened the government employee from discharging duties,” the petition added.

The petitioners urged the Collector to intervene and initiate appropriate action against the in-charge VAO of Mullakadu, alleging that the VAO had entered the salt pans wearing footwear, damaged the salt and violated the rules. They also urged the Collector to direct the police to drop the case registered against workers at Muthaiahpuram police station.

In a separate petition submitted by All Farmers Development Association Tamil Nadu, the farmers said that black gram crops had been completely damaged due to climate change and unfavourable weather conditions in Kayathar taluk in the previous financial year 2025-2026, resulting in heavy losses.

They urged the authorities to ensure that all affected farmers receive appropriate compensation and crop insurance benefits and to take steps to protect their livelihood.