Deputy Speaker Jayaraman justifies reports of farmers buying water

Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said that the groundwater, which was available at 300 feet has now gone down to over 1,000 feet. “Farmers in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts primarily depend on wells for irrigation. The quantity at present available in these wells can only help meet drinking water needs. So, I find no fault in farmers buying water for irrigation,” he said.

When asked about the state’s report to the Supreme Court that no farmer ended his life due to the drought, Jayaraman said, “Deaths do happen. Old age, disease and loss are among some of the reasons. I cannot comment on them. But farmers must be protected.” He thanked the Chief Minister for permitting coconut farmers to tap Neera and market it.

Meanwhile, in another event, Pollachi MP C Mahendran said that the Centre has increased the price of copra from Rs 52.50 per kg to Rs 59.50.

Taking credit for the allotment of Rs 1,500 crore for Anamalai Nallar scheme, an important component of Parambikulam Aliyar project, Mahendran said that the CM has assured to initiate talks with Kerala to grant permission for it.