Ryots fear losing free power, rap Electricity Amendment Bill

TIRUCHY: Farmers across the Delta region raised concerns during the agriculture grievances redressal meet at their respective districts on Friday claiming that the Electricity Amendment Bill directly affects them.

Farmers in Thanjavur came blindfolded wearing black badges to register their protest against the Bill and raised slogans against the Union government. They claimed that the Bill directly affects farmers and expressed fear that the free power supply would be withdrawn once the Bill was passed.

Farmers led by Cauvery Farmers Protection Association secretary Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan submitted a petition to the Thanjavur Collector Dinesh Ponraj Oliver and wanted the state government to take steps to stop the move.

Meanwhile, they said that there was a shortage of urea in the region at a time when the cultivation of samba has commenced in several areas. Similarly, they said that two insurance companies have been approved for Thanjavur district for crop insurance. Since there are two companies, the premium amount and other conditions vary and it creates an unwanted confusion. So, they demanded single insurance company for the district.

They also claimed that the C and D irrigation canals have not yet been desilted and the contractor for desilting in the Thiruvonam area was put on black list after there was an irregularity.

Replying to the demands, the Collector said, steps would be initiated for the availability of urea in all cooperative societies. He told the farmers that the project of Kudikadu-Ramanallur bridge across the Kollidam was dropped in 2020, but representations were sent to resume the works. A fund of Rs 70 crore has been allocated for the Ayyampettai-Kumbakonam road renovation works.

Similarly, in Tiruchy, Collector M Pradeep Kumar, who chaired the grievance meet, assured adequate stocks of fertilizer. He also announced that a toll free number 93429-12122 to provide all kinds of assistance to farmers.