Ryots demand shifting of power connections from land acquired for NH

RANIPET: Farmers in Ranipet district, whose lands were acquired by the state government for extension of the national highway, have demanded that either compensation be paid for power connections removed from the acquired land or that EB shift power connections to non-acquired areas nearby.

According to Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam Ranipet district treasurer N Rajamanickam, “though the government provided compensation for land taken from us, they also removed power poles for which we have not received any payment.”

When the Sangam’s youth wing state president R Subash submitted a petition to TNEB officials at Sholingur they demurred from accepting it initially on the ground that the farmers would have received compensation also for the power connections.

“Only after the issue was clearly explained did they accept the petition and promised to act upon,” said the Sangam’s Ranipet district president CS Mani.

“We have requested officials to treat the issue expeditiously and said that removed power connections be given to nearby non acquired land so that agricultural operations were not affected,” said the Sangam’s Nemili panchayat union secretary Elumalai.

“Another issue is that the extension of the NH has resulted in distribution channels from irrigation tanks being affected and water not reaching standing crops in areas like Uliyanallur, Punnai, Nelvaikandigai, Kuthambakkam and Peraperi,” said former panchayat union councilor Mohammed Moideen.

Subash said the Sangam’s office-bearers plan to meet the Vellore-based land acquisition DRO in this connection shortly to ensure action as all tanks were brimming due to the recent rain. “Unless culverts are constructed to allow tank water to reach crops, the water will be useless for agriculture,” Subash added.