Farmers Petition for Water Release from Papanasam Dam to Save Crops

Farmers in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu have submitted a petition to the District Collector, urging the immediate release of water from the Papanasam dam. The request aims to save thousands of acres of withering banana crops and provide drinking water for livestock in the Srivaikuntam region. Represented by the All India Kisan Sabha’s Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association, the petitioners highlighted that irrigation tanks in villages such as Peikulam and Kulayankarisal under the 'vadakaal' system have dried up due to inadequate water supply. Although water levels were previously low, recent rainfall in the Western Ghats has increased the dam's capacity. Consequently, farmers are requesting the release of 1,000 cusecs of water to alleviate the agricultural crisis affecting approximately 6,000 acres. The petition was presented during the resumed weekly public grievance redressal meeting chaired by District Collector Vishu Mahajan, following the withdrawal of the Model Code of Conduct after recent elections. Additionally, a separate petition regarding the closure of a nearby Tasmac liquor outlet was submitted by a local BJP cadre, citing inconvenience to residents.