Ryots for dam at Rasimanal to save 64 TMC Cauvery water

TIRUCHY: Constructing a dam at Rasimanal is the only solution to save at least 64 TMC surplus water from the Cauvery. The state government should initiate steps to obtain permission from the Cauvery Water Management Authority and commence the construction, said PR Pandian, president of Coordination Committee of All Farmers Association on Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Mayiladuthurai, Pandian who along with office-bearers of farmers’ association visited waterlogged Nathalpadugai, Muthalaimedu Thittu and Vellaimanal areas, said, this is the third time the Cauvery was witnessing heavy flow. Crops like paddy, banana, maize, cotton, vegetables and fruits have been damaged and so far no assessment has made and nor the state government has announced any compensation to the farmers. “We are disappointed that the Chief Minister MK Stalin has not even opened his mouth about the compensation,” Pandian said.

Charging that the state has almost dropped the kuruvai crop insurance for two years, Pandian urged the government should owe responsibility on this and disburse a compensation of Rs 35,000 per acre to the affected farmers.

“At present, the government should disburse a cash of Rs 50,000 to those who lost their tiled roofed houses and Rs 25,000 each to those who lost thatched roofed houses,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pandian appealed to the state government to establish a high-level committee and send the team to visit the Panchampatti lake to Wellington lake and identify the sources to ensure to store the surplus water into the water bodies. “The state government should immediately plan this for the welfare of the farmers from the Cauvery Delta region”, he said.

Agri director orders officials to assess crop loss

An assessment by the officials from revenue and agriculture departments has been ordered in Mayiladuthurai after which a detailed report would be presented to Chief Minister MK Stalin, said A Annadurai, Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting flood-hit areas of Pattavarthi, Puthagaram and Thiruvalaputhur in Mayiladuthurai district, Annadurai said, as per the orders of Chief Minister Stalin, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister MRK Panneerselvam instructed the officials to visit flood-hit areas.

He said a detailed assessment would be made across the district and a report listing out the damages to crops and other properties would be completed and a report recommending compensation would be tabled before the Chief Minister.

“Prior to that, the officials from the revenue and agriculture departments are instructed to commence an assessment of the crop damage and prepare a report”, the Director said.