Karaikal Farmers Demand Canal Desilting Ahead of Cauvery Water Release

Farmers in the Karaikal district have urgently called upon the local administration to execute comprehensive desilting of rivers and irrigation canals using heavy machinery before the anticipated release of water from the Mettur dam. The water release, expected around June 12, is critical for the upcoming ‘kuruvai’ cultivation season, which covers approximately 5,000 hectares of agricultural land in the region. T.N. Suresh, president of the Kadaimadai Farmers’ Association, emphasized that preparatory infrastructure works, including repairs to check dams and sluices, must be completed without delay to ensure efficient water distribution. He specifically requested that the Public Works Department handle major desilting tasks mechanically, excluding channels unsuitable for the 100-day rural employment scheme to maintain efficiency. Furthermore, the association urged authorities to hold constituency-wise meetings with farmers to address grievances and identify specific canal requirements. Additional demands included measures to control wild boars damaging crops and educational concessions for farmers' children. This appeal highlights the proactive steps required by local agricultural communities to mitigate potential irrigation issues and secure their livelihoods ahead of the monsoon-dependent farming cycle.