Sivaganga farmers demand Madurai’s drinking water be deducted from its own allocation

SIVAGANGA During the farmers’ grievance meeting held in Sivaganga here on Tuesday farmers strongly demanded that drinking water released from the Vaigai Dam to Madurai city be deducted exclusively from Madurai district’s water allocation. Raising pressing issues concerning local agriculture and civic infrastructure, farmer Ayyachamy pointed out that while 69 cusecs of water was released daily for Madurai city’s drinking water needs, it is currently being deducted from the combined allocation of Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts.

He argued that because many irrigation lands in Madurai district have been converted into buildings while still receiving water allocations, old ayacut Vaigai irrigation areas must be properly recalculated. Responding to the demand, the District Collector P.

Akash assured that a formal recommendation would be sent to the government to adjust the drinking water allocation to Madurai district’s account and recalculate the irrigation areas.