Near the Amaravathi Dam, in Silandhai River, farmers protest against the construction of a check dam citing water supply issues to the dam. Over 200 arrested during a siege. Demands arise for Minister Duraimurugan's dismissal.
Coimbatore: A massive protest erupted at the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border when Tamil Nadu Agriculturalists Security Association opposed the construction of a check dam across Silandhai River near Amaravathi Dam, leading to over 200 arrests.
The construction reportedly threatens the water supply essential for approximately 55,000 acres of agricultural lands and around 110 drinking water projects served by the Amaravathi Dam.
Farmers assert that the dam on Silandhai River, initiated by the Kerala state for drinking water purposes, is wrongfully constructed without proper permissions, risking the water flow to Amaravathi Dam. Amidst the protests, Tamil Nadu political parties including AIADMK, PMK, and MDMK have voiced strong opposition, prompting the Green Tribunal to order an immediate halt on the dam's construction across Silandhai River.
Despite the urgency, the Kerala government has yet to respond. The Tamil Nadu Public Works Department Minister, Duraimurugan, is under scrutiny as activists demand his dismissal, alleging negligence in addressing the longstanding issues at Silandhai and Mullaperiyar, which were informed to him months in advance.
Farmers warn of intensifying the protests if the check dam construction does not cease immediately.
The construction reportedly threatens the water supply essential for approximately 55,000 acres of agricultural lands and around 110 drinking water projects served by the Amaravathi Dam.
Farmers assert that the dam on Silandhai River, initiated by the Kerala state for drinking water purposes, is wrongfully constructed without proper permissions, risking the water flow to Amaravathi Dam. Amidst the protests, Tamil Nadu political parties including AIADMK, PMK, and MDMK have voiced strong opposition, prompting the Green Tribunal to order an immediate halt on the dam's construction across Silandhai River.
Despite the urgency, the Kerala government has yet to respond. The Tamil Nadu Public Works Department Minister, Duraimurugan, is under scrutiny as activists demand his dismissal, alleging negligence in addressing the longstanding issues at Silandhai and Mullaperiyar, which were informed to him months in advance.
Farmers warn of intensifying the protests if the check dam construction does not cease immediately.