Work on laying of a water pipeline near Udumalpet, reportedly carried out without official sanction, was temporarily suspended on Saturday (October 17) after farmers staged a protest, fearing threat to water availability in four villages.
Farmers of Eripalayam, Kuruncheri, Pukkulam, and Ayyampalayam apprehended that the pipeline being laid along the Bypass Road from the land belonging to former MLA C. Mahendran who is currently the Tiruppur Suburban South district secretary of TVK would cause depletion of aquifer, and impact water availability in the villages.
Farmers also said the pipeline could impact the water flow into Rajavaickal canal.
The protesters, who demanded a thorough investigation by the district administration, budged after the police intervened and halted the pipeline work.
The farmers have formally submitted a petition to the District Collector Manish Narnaware calling for an official inquiry, and permanent mechanisms for safeguarding water resources.
Published - October 17, 2026 06:49 pm IST