The Cauvery Delta Farmers Federation has strongly opposed the Centre’s transfer to auction three mining blocks in the fertile half of the Cauvery Delta in Tamil Nadu.
In a press release, Okay.V. Elangeeran, president of the Cauvery Delta Farmers Federation stated the three blocks — East of Sethiathope, Michaelpatti, and Vadaseri fall throughout the Protected Agricultural Zone of Tamil Nadu.
“The Tamil Nadu government was not even consulted on the proposed auction and the Union government proceeded unilaterally, without taking into account the livelihood of farmers and the food security of people in the area. This is highly unacceptable,” he stated.
Mr. Elangeeran stated the Centre was attempting to show the Cauvery Delta area, the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu right into a desert with its newest transfer. The mission would additionally result in the depletion of groundwater ranges, harm fertile lands, and result in the displacement of individuals. The Centre ought to instantly exclude the Delta area from the proposed auction failing which, farmers’ organisations would resort to large protests, he warned.
