Community begins indefinite protest against hydrocarbon projects

Farmers’ associations and social activists had called for an indefinite protest against hydrocarbon projects on Tuesday, but the police denied them permission. However, the farmers were firm on organising the protest and subsequently assembled over 30 locations from 8 am on Tuesday and continued the stir till 5 pm.

The protesters demanded the Cauvery delta region to be declared as an agricultural protected zone, prevent sand mining on the river beds and ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply. They also demanded the Centre to instruct the Karnataka government not to construct the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery and further ask Karnataka to release to Tamil Nadu the due share of Cauvery water for the benefit of farmers here. In Thanjavur, the coordinator of Cauvery Rights Retrieval Committee, P Maniyarasan, led the protest.  

Meanwhile, the farmers who staged a protest in Tiruchy, demanded to facilitate transport facility at the proposed Kollidam regulator in Upper Anaicut. The farmers were scheduled to gather in front of the Upper Anaicut led by farmer leader Chinnadurai, but the police prevented Chinnadurai from participating. This had led to a heated argument between the police and the farmers. However, the farmers continued their protest and raised slogans.

Meanwhile, students from Tiruvarur also joined the indefinite protest against hydrocarbon extraction projects. The students led by DYFI district president Ajith said that they would organise a State-level protest if the State and the Centre fail to withdraw the hydrocarbon projects.