Date: October 28, 2025
Location: Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
In a strong display of unity and determination, hundreds of farmers and agricultural workers gathered in Thiruvarur District to protest against the 400 kV high-voltage power transmission project proposed between Thiruvarur and Kodaikanal districts.
The farmers voiced serious concerns over the project’s impact on fertile agricultural lands, natural water sources, and local livelihoods. They emphasized that the proposed transmission line could threaten thousands of acres of farmland, affecting the region’s delicate ecological balance and food production.
Farmers Stand for Their Rights 🌾
Led by prominent local farmer associations, the protest saw participation from farmers across multiple villages. Carrying placards and raising slogans, they called on the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider or realign the project route to protect the lands that sustain rural communities.
The protesters stated that while they support development and the need for clean energy, progress should not come at the cost of agriculture and livelihood.
Concerns Over Environmental Impact 🌱
The farmers expressed fear that the high-tension power towers would:
Cause deforestation and loss of greenery in fertile regions.
Reduce soil productivity due to large-scale excavation and construction.
Affect the groundwater recharge system, leading to long-term water scarcity.
Pose potential health risks due to electromagnetic radiation from high-voltage lines.
They urged the government to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) with local consultation before implementing the project.
Financial and Social Burden on Villagers 💰
The protestors also highlighted that land acquisition for the project could cause major financial distress to small and marginal farmers. With decreasing land availability and unpredictable monsoons, losing agricultural land could mean losing their only livelihood.
In addition, bank loans and debt burdens have already put many farmers under financial strain. The fear of further displacement and economic loss has intensified their concerns.
Government Urged to Take Action ⚖️
The farmer groups appealed to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and the State Government to immediately suspend the project and initiate open dialogues with affected communities.
They also demanded that the authorities explore alternative routes or underground cable options that could minimize environmental and social damage.
According to the protest leaders, more than 50 farmer associations participated in this mass gathering, making it one of the largest land-protection protests in the region in recent years.
Voices from the Ground 🎙️
Speaking at the protest, several farmers shared their emotional connection to the land passed down through generations.
“We are not against progress,” said one local farmer. “But what will we eat if our farmlands vanish? We want development that respects both nature and farmers.”
Another farmer added,
“If the government truly supports rural development, it must protect our fields, not destroy them in the name of modernization.”
The Road Ahead 🚜
The protest has drawn attention from environmentalists, political leaders, and social organizations across Tamil Nadu. They have called for sustainable planning that ensures both energy development and agricultural preservation can coexist.
Local leaders announced that the movement will continue peacefully until the government provides a written assurance that farmers’ rights and lands will not be compromised.
Conclusion 🌾
This protest in Thiruvarur is more than just a stand against a power project — it symbolizes the growing struggle between modernization and environmental conservation. Farmers have once again reminded the nation that the roots of progress must stay grounded in sustainability.
As Tamil Nadu advances toward renewable energy goals, the voices from Thiruvarur call for a balanced path — one that lights up cities without dimming the lives of farmers.
