Villagers of Vembur waiting at the Thoothukudi Collectorate on Monday to submit petition.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Over 200 residents from Vembur in Ettayapuram taluk submitted a petition at the weekly grievance redress meeting at the Collectorate here on Monday, opposing acquisition of agricultural lands in their village for SIPCOT project.
The villagers submitted their petition to Collector K. Elambahavath, stating that the acquisition of the land would affect their livelihood. They also said that the government had issued a notification for acquiring 2,700 acres of land around Vembur for the SIPCOT project.
The residents of the village primarily rely on agriculture. – the region produces large quantities of black gram, green gram, maize and sunflower.
A resident of Vembur said the project was initially announced during the tenure of previous government and after the then minister was approached, the project was shifted a place along East Coast Road. However the present government has resumed developing the project about a year ago at the same location where it was initially planned.
He added that about two months ago, the villagers began their protest and in response a peace committee was formed immediately and discussions were held with the officials. “We are not opposed to the government acquiring barren lands, but we cannot accept the acquisition of fertile agricultural lands, as it directly impacts our livelihood,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of cattle rearing and the value of Vembur goats in the market. “The village has around 2,500-3,000 goats and the land acquisition would affect the goat rearing also as there will be no lands left for grazing.”
Residents of Pattidevanpatti also submitted a petition at the meeting opposing the SIPCOT project in Vembur region. They urged the Collector to recommend to the government to drop the SIPCOT project in Vembur and withdraw the land acquisition efforts.
Published – February 03, 2025 08:50 pm IST