Collector S. Saravanan presiding over the farmers’ grievance redress meeting held at Dindigul Collectorate on Friday.
| Photo Credit: KARTHIKEYAN G
Farmers of Dindigul district during the monthly grievance redress meeting held here on Friday raised complaints against the illegal quarrying operation in water bodies and hillocks.
Rajendran, a farmer, said that soil was illegally quarried from the ponds for brick kiln units. “Also, soil is being excavated indiscriminately from the hilly areas of Periyakaradu near Oddanchatram. If this continues, it will lead to the disappearance of the hills. This has to be stopped immediately,” he added.
Somuraj, another farmer, said, “In Gujiliamparai too, silt is removed illegally from ponds. About 200 loads of soil are extracted every day. This will ultimately lead to the depletion of groundwater level.”
He added, despite repeated complaints to the Revenue Department, no action was taken.
District Collector S. Saravanan, responding to the farmers, said, “Fines are being imposed on those who illegally extract soil not only from ponds but also from patta lands. So far, a fine of ₹6.5 crore has been imposed in this manner. Furthermore, action will be taken through the Department of Minerals.”
Another farmer, Chellam, pointing out to the increasing water need, said, “To safeguard the future generations from facing water scarcity, some of the local measures like desilting works in Manjalar dam should be initiated. Also, raising the dam’s water level to 150 feet can prevent water scarcity in areas fed by the dam.”
John Felix, a farmer from Sanarpatti, lamented the persisting issue of anti-social activities in mango groves in the regions surrounding Sanarpatti and Thavasimadai.
Demanding regular policing in the area, he complained that broken and damaged alcohol bottles in the farm areas were injuring the cattle and also the farmers.
Mr. Saravanan directed the Police Department to increase police patrolling in the area during night-time.
“Not a single drop of water has come into the Kodaganar river so far. Because of this, farming cannot be done. There is even a shortage of water for rearing sheep and cattle. Close to one lakh people are affected due to this. Therefore, water must be released into the Kodaganar river and proper compensation should be provided for this”, said a farmer named Chinnappan.
Adding to this, Ramasamy, another farmer, said the blockage of river flow by placing sandbags by few individuals was the major reason for the issue.
Revenue officials directed the officials concerned to initiate immediate action against the persons who were blocking the river’s flow. “It is a serious offence and criminal action should be initiated against them,” the official added.
Published – November 21, 2025 08:02 pm IST
