At a monthly farmers' grievance meeting in Udumalaipet, Tiruppur district, residents raised issues including environmental concerns, healthcare shortages, and agricultural challenges. The meeting was chaired by RDO Jaswant Kannan.
Coimbatore: The monthly farmers' grievance meeting for the Udumalaipet sub-division in Tiruppur district was held today at the Government Arts College in Udumalaipet. The meeting was chaired by RDO Jaswant Kannan and attended by farmers and residents from Udumalaipet, Kudimanglam, and Madathukulam areas.
During the meeting, farmers raised several concerns. They requested measures to control the wilt disease affecting coconut trees and sought relief for affected farmers. Complaints were made about the lack of adequate medicines at the Udumalaipet Veterinary Hospital and in mobile veterinary vehicles, forcing farmers and the public to purchase medicines externally.
Residents highlighted issues of encroachment on waterways in Aiswarya Nagar area of Udumalaipet and requested their removal. Concerns were raised about the compound wall of the newly constructed bus stand obstructing the pathway, with appeals to demolish it and restore access.
The increasing presence of masked individuals in Sankar Nagar, S.V. Puram, and S.S. Colony areas was brought to attention, with requests for increased police patrolling. The rise in drug-related activities in Udumalaipet was also mentioned as a threat to the future of youth.
Farmers complained about plastic waste, garbage, and construction debris being dumped on the banks of the PAP canal in Udumalaipet, which clogs the sluices and affects water flow to agricultural lands. The lack of basic facilities and vehicle congestion at the Udumalaipet weekly market were highlighted, along with issues in the commission system and trader dominance in the farmers' market.
A significant concern was raised about the crushers near Thungavi area in Madathukulam, causing distress to residents and farmers. Participants requested the Pollution Control Board officials to inspect and take action.
Other issues discussed included irregularities in the land survey department, confusion due to multiple forest rangers in Udumalaipet, and the need for integrating engineering, agriculture, and horticulture departments at the Udumalaipet Regulated Market.
The meeting saw active participation from officials and farmers, addressing a wide range of local concerns and seeking solutions.