The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Two districts’ farmers stake claim to Malattar

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Thursday, Jan 08, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Two districts’ farmers stake claim to Malattar

A.V.Ragunathan

Tension prevailed as two groups gathered to assert their rights

VILLUPURAM: The farmers of Villupuram and Cuddalore districts are staking claim to riparian rights in the rejuvenated Malattar river. Tense situation prevailed at Thiruvennainallur on Wednesday, as both the groups gathered in strength to assert their rights.

It called for the intervention of the tahsildars of Panruti and Thirukkoilur and Deputy Superintendent of Police Murali. The officials held one round of peace talks with the farmers’ representatives on Wednesday and another round of talks is scheduled for today.

Ever since the 1970 floods the course of the river became heavily silted and hence there was virtually no flow in the Malattar (which means “barren” in Tamil) till recently.

Origin

The river originating from the Thirukkoilur anicut runs through Villupuram district and then enters Nellikuppam in Cuddalore district. Since, the floods had changed its course the river ends abruptly at Nellikuppam.

For its rejuvenation an outfit named the Perennial Malattar Ground Water Development Forum has come into being. After spending about Rs.14 lakh on desilting the river the Malatter received substantial flow in the recent rain.

This had revived the irrigation activity in about 40 villages in Villupuram district and even two boys drowned in the floods in the river. The farmers in Natham village in Cuddalore district, as a matter of right, had removed a portion of the bank to divert the water to the tank there.

However, the traditional ayacutdars and the Forum members voiced strong protest against the Natham farmers’ bid. Therefore, the bank was plugged and the diversion averted.

However, the Natham farmers turned vocal and gathered in strength to march to the river bank to get their “rightful share.” On learning about the huge gathering the Forum also assembled a group of farmers to resist their attempt. Heavy police bandobust has been provided at the place.

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