The PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal Water Conservation Association has reached out to the Police department and Tiruppur district administration conveying its decision to go on indefinite fast from February 22, in protest against the “prolonged denial of due water allocation under the PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal”.
P. Velusamy, president of the association, said in a petition that despite the judgements of High Court on equitable distribution of water and the repeated representations by the tail-end farmers at monthly farmers grievances redress meetings over the last five years, no corrective action had been taken by the Water Resources Department though adequate water is available in PAP reservoir system.
Citing the readings sourced from official database, Mr. Velusamy said several branch canals were drawing and utilising 30% to 60% additional water than sanctioned limits.
“We urge immediate implementation of equitable water distribution across all PAP branch canals. Further, the 7-day rotational water supply system at each sluice gate, as followed in other PAP command areas, must be implemented forthwith in accordance with court directions,” the petition said.
As a last resort, more than 100 affected farmers, including over 30 women, will undertake a continuous hunger strike at Veeranampalayam village from February 22.
A peaceful and non-violent hunger strike will be conducted on private patta land, without causing any disturbance to the general public. The association will make all arrangements, including security and sanitation facilities, the petition said, seeking adequate police protection.
Published – January 26, 2026 08:00 pm IST
