More than 20 farmers took part in the demonstration, which was organized after the association’s appeals to the Water Resources Department (WRD) for water releases from October 1 went unanswered.
The protesters highlighted that, under normal conditions, water is released into the Kalingarayan Canal continuously for 315 days each year, from June 16 to April 30, but this year only a limited flow was permitted because of construction work and a shortage of water in the Bhavanisagar dam.
According to the farmers, about 1.5 tmcft of water remains in the dam after the current irrigation releases, while seepage water is flowing into the Bhavani River during the monsoon. They argue that if the stored water and the seepage were managed efficiently, it could irrigate nearly one full crop cycle.
The association warned that, if the WRD does not arrange for the release of the available water through the Kalingarayan Canal from October 1 onward, the farmers will begin an indefinite fast to press their demand.
The sit‑in was withdrawn later in the day, but the farmers said they will continue to seek a resolution, emphasizing the impact of the water shortfall on standing crops and the broader agricultural community.