The indefinite strike by borewell vehicle operators across Tamil Nadu, protesting a severe shortage and price surge of essential drilling equipment, entered its third day on Sunday. The agitation has brought groundwater exploration and agricultural activities in several districts to a grinding halt.
The Core Issue: A Sudden and Sharp Price Surge
At the heart of the protest is a dramatic and unsustainable increase in the cost of borewell drill bits. Operators report that the price of a single drill bit has more than doubled in just the past fortnight, skyrocketing from Rs 25,000 to an astounding Rs 55,000. This sudden spike has made operations financially unviable for hundreds of small and medium-sized rig owners.
Root Cause: Import Restrictions on Raw Material
Industry sources point to recent restrictions on the import of a key raw material from China as the primary trigger for the crisis. The material, carbon dioxide used in the manufacturing of drill bits, has become scarce and expensive. Suresh, the president of the Tamil Nadu Rig Owners Association, explicitly linked the price rise to these import curbs. He appealed to the central government to intervene, control the price spiral, and ensure a steady supply of raw materials at reasonable rates.
"The price rise is because of restrictions on the import of the raw material required for making drilling bits from China," Suresh stated. He urged the central authorities to find a swift resolution to the issue.
Widespread Impact and a Dire Warning
The strike has had an immediate and widespread effect. Reports indicate that more than 2,000 borewell vehicles stationed across key regions of the state have ceased operations. Major affected districts include:
- Theni
- Karur
- Tirupur
- Tiruchengode
- Salem
- Namakkal
- Krishnagiri
If the deadlock persists, the consequences will extend far beyond the striking operators. Suresh issued a stark warning, predicting that the cost of digging borewells for farmers and other consumers could see a further 20% hike in the near future. This would place an additional heavy burden on the agricultural sector, which is already grappling with various challenges.
The ongoing strike underscores a critical supply chain disruption in a vital industry. With no immediate solution in sight and operators standing firm, the wait for government action continues as losses mount across Tamil Nadu.
