Farmers protest delays in evicting encroachment in Amathur

Farmers in Amathur, near Virudhunagar, protested during a monthly grievance meeting on Friday. They were upset about the slow removal of encroachments on a supply channel. The farmers, part of the Tamil Vivasayigal Sangam, have been raising this issue for months. The state's association president, O.A. Narayanasamy, voiced concerns that officials have not acted despite a recent inspection that confirmed a landowner, V. Rathisudha, had encroached on the channel. Narayanasamy mentioned that farmers waited at the Revenue Divisional Officer's office from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. to discuss the issue, but Rathisudha did not show up. Officials stated they issued eviction notices in May 2024, but farmers argue no action has been taken. They highlighted a Madras High Court order against tolerating encroachments on water bodies, which are vital natural resources. Narayanasamy explained how the landowner leveled the land where the supply channel flows and even built a fence around it. During the meeting, the District Revenue Officer promised to quickly issue another notice to the encroacher. The farmers left the meeting feeling hopeful after this assurance. The local Collector, V.P. Jeyaseelan, encouraged farmers to support officials during evictions. Some farmers raised other concerns, including illegal dumping of garbage near an irrigation tank, which could harm local cattle. Officials present included the District Revenue Officer and representatives from the agriculture and wildlife departments.