Big Tank to be desilted at ₹6.50 cr., says PWD officials at farmers’ grievance meeting in Ramanathapuram

State government allocates ₹6.50 crore for desilting Big Tank in Ramanathapuram district, addressing farmers' grievances and concerns.

The State government had sanctioned ₹6.50 crore for desilting Big Tank in Ramanathapuram district, said PWD officials here on Friday.

Announcing this at the farmers’ grievance meeting, the officials said the works would start soon. They also informed that ₹5.50 crore had been earmarked for removing bushes and other encroachments along the Vaigai riverbed to an extent of 71 km from Parthibanoor to Artrangarai.

Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, who was in the chair, received petitions from the farmers. Many senior officials from multiple departments were present and responded to the queries raised by the farmers.

The farmers wanted a permanent solution to the menace caused by wild boars and deer, which destroyed crops.

Seeking clarification on the setting up of solar panels in a big way in Kattu Emaneswaram Tank, a farmer, Muthupandi, pleaded to stop it forthwith as caused hindrance to the fields in the locality.

Tamil Nadu Vivasaiyigal Sangam district president Muthuraman said though the officials had taken survey of the crop loss reported in December 2024 due to unseasonal rain, the paddy and chilli growers had not yet received relief.

When a farmer, Michael, pointed out that there were no basic amenities at the regulated market in Yettivayal, the Collector assured him that an inspection would be conducted soon. The farmer said even the bus stop was a kilometre away from the regulated market and many of them had to carry their produce.