Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Farmers Oppose Private Solar Project Over Water Concerns
Farmers in three villages in Tamil Nadu are worried about a planned solar power project.
They say the project may cover land that helps collect and carry rainwater.
If water cannot reach local tanks and channels, farming could become more difficult.
The farmers depend on these water sources for their crops and livelihoods.
They pointed to a Madras High Court direction protecting some survey numbers near Kovilangulam.
The Tamil Farmers' Association asked the government to cancel permission for the project.
The association also alleged that the earlier approval was influenced by political connections, though this was presented as an allegation.
The farmers said they will keep protesting until the project is cancelled.
Farmers from three Virudhunagar villages oppose a private solar project near Kariyapatti.
They say the project could block rainwater flows and damage irrigation catchment areas.
Farmers cited a Madras High Court direction protecting specified Kovilangulam survey numbers as water bodies.
The Tamil Farmers' Association petitioned the government to cancel approval for the project on government land.
Farmers said they would continue protesting until the project is officially scrapped.
- Who
- Farmers from Kovilangulam, Avarampatti and Manavaranthai, supported by the Tamil Farmers' Association.
- What
- They are seeking cancellation of a private solar power project and protection of local water catchment areas.
- When
- The farmers have opposed the project for several months; the association submitted its petition on Monday, citing a court direction issued in June.
- Where
- Near Kariyapatti in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- They fear the project could obstruct rainwater flows, harm irrigation and affect farming livelihoods.
- Affected villages
- Kovilangulam, Avarampatti and Manavaranthai
- Project location
- Government 'anadheenam' land near Kariyapatti
- Protected survey numbers
- Survey Nos. 9, 11, 14, 15 and 16 at Kovilangulam
- Court action
- The Madras High Court recorded an undertaking that solar panels would not be installed in the specified survey numbers and directed authorities to maintain them as water bodies.
- Government petition
- The Tamil Farmers' Association asked authorities to cancel the government order permitting the project.
- Farmers' position
- They want similar protection for other catchment areas they say could be affected.
- Planned response
- Farmers said they would continue their protest until the project is officially scrapped.