Farmers urge removal of water hyacinth, encroachments from waterbodies in Thoothukudi

Farmers have urged the authorities to remove water hyacinths and encroachments from waterbodies and waterways in Thoothukudi district.

The demand was raised at the farmers’ grievance redress meeting held at Thoothukudi Collectorate on Thursday. The meeting was presided over by District Collector Vishu Mahajan.

During the meeting farmers raised several demands, including the removal of encroachment from the stormwater drain at Kakkan Nagar in Pannamparai junction in Sathankulam.

They also sought fishing rights in Naalayiramudaiyar tank to be given to the farmers associations and to expedite the release of crop insurance compensation for the year 2025-2026. They urged the authorities also to drop the proposal to acquire agricultural land at Vellamadam area in Eral taluk for the proposed space park.

The farmers sought desilting of several tanks in Meignanapuram area, including Pettaikulam, Semmariputhukulam, Nochikulam, Sambaruthakulam, Kurundhakulam and Sadayaneri tank.