Farmers’ seminar

Farmers’ associations converted their originally planned fast on Sunday at Chennimalai near here, to express their ire against concrete-lining of Lower Bhavani Project canal, into a seminar on the issue after they were refused permission by the police. The organisers had earlier sought permission for holding the fast, but the refusal of permission was conveyed only on Sunday morning, police sources said. There were 750 participants from Kanjikovil, Modakurichi, Kangeyam and other surrounding areas. Speakers, including S. Nallasamy, president, Lower Bhavani Farmers’ Welfare Association, Nature Farmer Nammazhvar, leader of Uzhavar Uzhaippali Katchi Chellamuthu, and former CPI MLA Periyasamy said the concrete-lining project planned by the Public Works Department would affect the livelihood of farming community. The project that the PWD intends to carry out with Rs. 1,200 crore World Bank loan was against the concept of rain water harvesting. The concrete surface of the canal would prevent water seepage into the soil, affecting aquifer recharge, Mr. Nallasamy said. — Special Correspondent

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