Tamil Nadu - Erode   

Farmers on fast, demand PAP water

Staff Reporter

Drought, heavy loss have left them in a spot

ERODE: Hundreds of farmers observed a token fast on Monday in Dharapuram near Municipal Bus stand demanding release of water from PAP reservoir into the Upparu dam.

The Upparu reservoir was constructed in 1965 across Upparu river and completed in 1968. Heavy rainwater and also water from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) had flowed into the reservoir and the farmers raised dry crops in 6,060 acres.

In addition the farmers in Upparu ayacut covering more than six major villages like Nanjiyampalayam, Kannankoil, Thoppampatty, Kundadam etc raised coconut crop. In 1994 the PAP water, supplied to three zones, had been extended to the fourth zone. So the seepage of water and release from PAP to Upparu was stopped. From 1997 no water was being released.

Drought

There was serious drought and all coconut trees started to wither leading to heavy loss. The Upparu Farmers led by president, P. Thirugnanamurthy had conducted several agitations urging the Government to supply water to Upparu from PAP to no avail. Some Panchayat Presidents and members had resigned too.

MP in meeting

The Palani Parliament Constituency MP S.K. Karvendan, Vellakoil MLA, M.P. Swaminathan, all leaders of political parties (except the AIADMK) , Dharapuram municipal councillors, Panchayat members and presidents participated.

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