Farmers demand opening of Mettur dam by October 3

A K Ravichander of Ammayagaram wanted the dam to be opened as he wanted to cultivate at least a single crop. He said, if it is opened later, the crop might be affected during the peak of North east monsoon. A farmer Koothalingam of Sethubavachathiram said farmers in Peravurani, Pattukkottai area want the dam to be opened only after the water level reached 100 feet. “Only then it would reach the tail end areas,” he said. He suggested that the excess rain water should be let into tanks and lakes attached to the Grand Anaicut canal and not into the Kollidam.

The Collector who said if the farmers come to a consensus about a date, he would convey the same to the Government for consideration. Subsequently, the farmers informed that it would be by October 3.

Meanwhile, a group of farmers led by Kakkarai R Sukumarn, state vice-president of Joint Movement of Farmers Association, marched towards the hall wearing masks. They wanted the Mettur dam to be opened immediately and also demanded setting up of the Cauvery Management Board.