Tirupur Collector rescinds order for HT transmission tower works

This sudden reversal of the decision comes after strong objection from farmers and leaders of various political parties expressing apprehension that gathering of workers may lead to spread of COVID-19.

Collector K Vijayakarthikeyan granted permission on April 16 to the Power Grid Corporation Ltd to carry out pending works in the district, but issued directions to ensure safety of workers to prevent spread of COVID-19.

Thereafter, the grid corporation officials brought a large number of migrant labourers in a tractor to the work spot triggering outrage among farmers. Leaders of various political parties, including MDMK leader Vaiko condemned the administration for granting permission to carry out the works.

Following this, the district collector on Wednesday issued an order to stop the works with immediate effect. It has been stated that practical difficulties in adhering to social distancing norms to be the reason behind stopping of works until the lockdown comes to an end.

Meanwhile, the farmers also threatened to continue their protest even if works were taken up following the lockdown period.

The farmers, who were protesting over the last few years, claimed that the power lines traverse through thousands of acres of fertile farmlands. The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and state government’s Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Limited has proposed to erect transmission towers on agriculture lands in as many as 13 districts.

The farmers have been demanding the state and Union governments to carry out the project by laying underground cables similar to Kerala or take up an alternative pathway without disturbing the farmlands.