Farmers near Udumalpet have lodged a complaint with revenue officials about interference in their government-approved silt extraction from Periya Valavadi tank. They allege threats and demands for money from a group of individuals.
Coimbatore: Farmers near Udumalpet in Tiruppur district have raised complaints with revenue officials about interference in their efforts to extract silt from the Periya Valavadi tank. The issue has sparked tensions in the area, with farmers alleging threats and demands for money from a group of individuals.
The Tamil Nadu government had previously granted permission for farmers and potters to extract silt and clay from water bodies like tanks, ponds, and lakes for personal use. Following this, farmers have been applying online and obtaining permission at the Tahsildar level to extract soil.
In line with this policy, farmers in the Periya Valavadi panchayat near Udumalpet had obtained proper permission to extract silt from the Sapthiyar tank. However, they claim that a group of individuals, allegedly representing an organization, has been obstructing their work and demanding money.
The farmers allege that this interference has not only disrupted their work but also caused financial losses due to the rental expenses for tractors, lorries, and excavators brought in for the silt extraction process.
In response to these issues, a group of farmers gathered to submit a petition to Udumalpet Revenue Divisional Officer Jaswant Kannan and Deputy Superintendent of Police J. Sukumaran. The farmers stated that some individuals were obstructing the silt extraction work at the Sapthiyar tank in Periya Valavadi panchayat for personal gain.
The farmers demanded appropriate action against those interfering with their work and requested adequate protection to continue their silt extraction activities. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would launch a series of protests in the Valavadi area.
The revenue and police officials have received the petition and assured the farmers that they would look into the matter. The situation highlights the challenges in implementing government policies at the grassroots level and the need for proper monitoring to ensure smooth execution of such initiatives.