Ramanathapuram farmers seek timely preservation of water bodies

Farmers of Ramanathapuram district during the monthly farmers’ grievance meeting on Friday, citing the recent rainfall in the Southern district, raised the issue of waterbodies being clogged with silt and weeds, preventing efficient water storage. They added that every year due to the slackness in maintaining and desilting the canals and kanmais , the water storage capacity has largely been affected in most of the water bodies. Demanding timely intervention of the district administration to rejuvenate the waterbodies, the farmers added, “The only source of water for agriculture should be preserved to save our future generations from water scarcity and drought like situations.” They also raised the issue of weakening of the bunds of waterbodies due to encroachments and other developments. “Only if the embankments of the kanmais are strengthened the water would be held within the area,” they added. A strong well-compacted embankment which could withstand the immense pressure of a full tank was essential to prevent a breach. “If the bund is weak or low, the water level must be kept low to prevent a breach, meaning less water is available for crops later in the season,” they pointed out. Other issues like delay in sanctioning of crops loans and cooperative loans were raised in the meeting. The delay, they said, was pushing them into the hands of loan sharks, who charge exorbitant interest rates, further trapping the farmers in a cycle of debt. Responding to the farmers’ grievances, District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, instructed the officials to immediately consider those who have sought loans through cooperative societies. Also, he directed the officials to ensure that adequate stocks of fertilisers were available in outlets. “Private fertiliser dealers must sell only the specific fertilisers requested by farmers,” he added. He warned the dealers not to force farers to purchase unnecessary additional products. He informed farmers that they could anytime report such violations to the relevant authorities. District Collector emphasised that departmental officials should take immediate action on every petition submitted by farmers without delay. Furthermore, the outcome of the action taken must be communicated to the petitioner promptly, he directed. Published - December 26, 2025 10:27 pm IST

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