Chennai
With weathermen having predicted 6 per cent more rainfall than last year, farmers say clearing water bodies is crucial for optimum utilisation of the resources for cultivation. Many areas are already experiencing good rains in the state. On Tuesday, 80 mm rainfall was recorded in Thanjavur, while Kumbakonam received 50 mm rain.
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre has predicted good rainfall in the central districts. In order to reap maximum benefit from the rains, farmers from the region want desilting work to be undertaken in key areas at once. While cleaning of the water bodies is a regular feature during summer, the same should be undertaken during the monsoon in order to allow free flow of rain water, ensuring that tail-end farmers also benefit, said farmers.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa disbursed Rs 11.50 crore in 201415 for desilting work. However, stakeholders say work has progressed at snail’s pace. “In Tiruchy, Kattuputhur vaical, Vadakarai vaical, Thenkarai vaical, Ayyan vaical, Peruvalai vaical, Puthuvathalai vaical and Pullambadi vaical are the main source of water for around 2.50 lakh acres of cultivable land but all of them are covered with vegetation and silt.
The government should initiate steps to desilt each of them, at least by the month of July so that the cultivation which would be undertaken can progress smoothly, with the required water supply”, said Ayilai Sivasuriyan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam. The Sangam members also added that the desilting should be undertaken on rivers like Ariyaru, Ayyaru and Koraiyaru at the earliest.
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