Over 200 people, including 100 women, staged a sit-in protest at the residence of Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare, Kayalvizhi Selvaraj in Dharapuram, demanding the release of one TMC of water to Upparu Dam. The protesters accuse the law enforcement of failing to curb drug sales and link a former DMK administrator with drug trafficking, highlighting the growing drug menace in the state.
Coimbatore: In a significant protest movement, more than 200 farmers, including around 100 women, congregated at the residence of Kayalvizhi Selvaraj, the Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare, in Dharapuram, near Tirupur district, demanding the release of water to the Upparu Dam. The farmers have been advocating for the allocation of one TMC of water to the dam, employing various protest methods, including sit-ins within the dam premises, climbing cell phone towers for eight-hour protests, and blocking the vehicle of Tirupur District Collector Christuraj.
Despite engaging in six rounds of discussions with various officials including the Revenue Officer, Water Management Committee, and the District Collector, the farmers claim their grievances have remained unaddressed. The protest at Minister Selvaraj's house marks a continuation of their efforts to secure water for agricultural purposes.
The situation at the Minister's residence in Dharapuram has become tense, with police personnel deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order. However, the Minister, currently on a tour, has not been available to meet the protesting farmers.
This ongoing protest not only reflects the distress among the farming community over water scarcity but also highlights the perceived inaction of the state government in addressing their concerns.
Despite engaging in six rounds of discussions with various officials including the Revenue Officer, Water Management Committee, and the District Collector, the farmers claim their grievances have remained unaddressed. The protest at Minister Selvaraj's house marks a continuation of their efforts to secure water for agricultural purposes.
The situation at the Minister's residence in Dharapuram has become tense, with police personnel deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order. However, the Minister, currently on a tour, has not been available to meet the protesting farmers.
This ongoing protest not only reflects the distress among the farming community over water scarcity but also highlights the perceived inaction of the state government in addressing their concerns.