Farmers’ association launches State-wide campaign against dam at Mekedatu

Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers’ Association president P.R. Pandian on Sunday began a State-wide campaign rally from Poompuhar to create awareness among the people, political parties, and other stakeholders on the danger of Karnataka’s move to build a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery at Mekedatu.

A.M. Vikram Raja, president, Federation of Tamil Nadu Traders’ Associations, flagged off the rally. Mr. Pandian said there was a need for concerted action to stop the proposal. It should never be allowed to progress. It was against the interest of lower riparian States. It would pose a great danger to the livelihood of lakhs of farmers of Tamil Nadu if it was allowed. The people and political parties, irrespective of their political affiliation, should stand united and oppose the move. Rasimanal was the apt place to build a dam, he said.

Leaders of various farmers’ associations P. Ayyakkannu, Kattikulam Manickavasagam, L. Adhimoolam,Vettangudi Srinivasan, and Kollidam Viswanathan were present.

The rally will conclude at Tiruvarur on September 24. Mr. Pandian will visit Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Vellore, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Puducherry, and Cuddalore.