College students trespassing into Walayar reservoir area, allege farmers

Farmers from Pichanur village have raised concerns over college students using rural roads to reach the Walayar reservoir.

P. Kandasamy, general secretary of the region’s farmers association (apolitical), said in a representation to the Coimbatore district police that the K.G. Chavadi police should prevent the students from reaching the location, which the students were allegedly using for alcohol consumption. Instances of students drowning have also been reported, Mr. Kandasamy pointed out.

Pichanur residents also allege that the students travel at high speeds on their two-wheelers and four-wheelers, compromising road safety.

On the Kerala side, the State police curb movement of public towards the dam by installing surveillance cameras on the roads leading to the anicut area and collecting fines online.

Though surveillance cameras have been installed on the roads leading to the Walayar Dam area along Tamil Nadu borders, too, the students manage to enter the area without being noticed, Mr. Kandasamy said, calling for effective action by the Coimbatore district police.