Farmers’ association seeks clarity on proposed SIPCOT project near Bhavanisagar Dam

The Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam has urged the State government to clearly state the status of the proposed SIPCOT industrial estate near the Bhavanisagar Dam, citing confusion among farmers following conflicting reports about the project.

In a letter to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, district secretary T. Subbu said the dam irrigates nearly 2.5 lakh acres of farmland in the Erode, Tiruppur, and Karur districts and is also the primary drinking water source for Erode district, forming the backbone of the region’s livelihood. He said farmers were deeply concerned over plans to establish a 1,080-acre industrial estate close to the dam, warning that it could threaten agriculture, water security, and the environment.

According to the letter, the SIPCOT administration has indicated that preliminary survey works for the project were carried out as part of the government’s policy to promote industrial development through district-level industrial parks.

However, reports suggesting that the project has been dropped have surfaced, creating uncertainty among farmers. The association demanded clarity on whether SIPCOT’s statement remains valid or if the project has been abandoned.

While supporting industrial development, the association said industries must be located appropriately. It cautioned that an industrial estate near the dam could harm the Bhavani River, dependent farmlands, and the biodiversity-rich ecosystem adjoining the Western Ghats, besides causing land, water, and air pollution.

Referring to the severe degradation of the Noyyal River in the western region, the association warned against a similar outcome for the Bhavani River and demanded that the project be scrapped at the preliminary stage itself.

The association also urged the government and the district administration to immediately clarify the project’s status to dispel uncertainty among farmers.