Namakkal Farmers Demand Immediate Removal of Stream Encroachers
Farmers in Namakkal district have issued a strong plea to local officials, urging them to take decisive action against encroachers on a crucial stream near Senthamangalam. They assert that this illegal occupation has rendered farming activities impossible in the area, threatening their livelihoods and agricultural output.
Impact on Farming and Water Supply
In the Rasakaundanpudur area near Senthamangalam, farmers cultivate key crops such as paddy, sugarcane, and banana across more than 1,000 acres of land. Historically, during the rainy season, water from the Nainamalai hills flows through this stream to the Thuthikulam pond in the plains. Farmers have long relied on this pond for irrigation, making it a vital resource for sustaining their agricultural practices.
However, encroachment over the past decade has severely compromised this system. According to V Arun, a local villager, the stream has been dramatically reduced in width from 32 feet to just five feet due to illegal occupation. This shrinkage has blocked the natural flow of rainwater from the hills, preventing it from reaching the Thuthikulam pond during critical rainy periods. As a result, farmers face acute water shortages, disrupting crop cycles and endangering food production.
Repeated Complaints and Lack of Action
Farmers have expressed frustration over the lack of response from authorities despite multiple complaints. They report that no significant action has been taken to address the encroachment issue, even after numerous appeals to officials. The community is now calling on the district administration to intervene urgently, emphasizing the need for swift measures to clear the stream and restore its functionality.
"We have raised this issue time and again, but our concerns seem to fall on deaf ears," said one farmer, highlighting the growing desperation among the agricultural community. The encroachment not only affects water availability but also poses broader environmental and economic risks, as reduced water flow can lead to soil degradation and decreased crop yields.
Broader Implications for Agriculture
The situation in Namakkal underscores a larger challenge faced by farmers across regions where water resources are under threat from encroachment. Key points include:
- Loss of irrigation water critical for staple crops like paddy and sugarcane.
- Increased vulnerability to droughts and climate variability due to compromised water storage.
- Potential long-term impacts on local food security and rural economies.
Farmers stress that without immediate action, the agricultural sustainability of the area is at stake. They urge officials to prioritize this issue, implement enforcement measures, and ensure the stream is restored to its original state to support farming activities and community well-being.
