A massive human chain protest was hosted by members of farmers union and all political parties in Coimbatore condemning the Kerala government for construction of check dams across the Bhavani River.
Bhavani River which originates in the Nilgiris Mountains passes through Kerala before entering into Tamil Nadu at Attappadi. It is reported that the Kerala government has started the preliminary works of construction of six check dams across the river. Construction of these dams will hinder the water inflow from Bhavani in Tamil Nadu, political outfits have raised their condemnation against the intent of the Kerala government. It was decided that a all party human chain should be organised to jointly raise their agitation.
In this regard, today, a human chain was formed by the farmers unions and members of political parties like DMK, Kongunadu Jananayak Katchi, Tamil Pulikal, Tamilar Viduthalai Iyakkam. Close to 500 people took part in the human chain protest. K. Ramakrishnan, General Secretary of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) lead the protests.
When speaking to the press during the protests Senior party leader and former minister of DMK, Pongalur Palanisamy said, “Tamil Nadu government should act swiftly in the Bhavani River issue. If action is not taken to prevent the construction of the check dams Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode districts will face intense drinking water crisis and agriculture will be adversely affected'
'If the construction of check dams is not stopped, all political parties will join hands and conduct protests at the dam site on 29th January. Today, close to 500 people participated in the protest, if this issue remains unresolved, we will organise students and host protest against the Kerala government.” K. Ramakrishnan of TPDK said.