Farmers demand action to save submerged traditional dewatering mechanism in Mannar

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Mannar: The traditional dewatering mechanism made of wooden planks, an essential set of farming equipment used for water pumping, at the Vazhathara motor floor in Mannar have been left submerged, risking permanent damage. Farmers in the region are demanding their immediate removal to prevent further deterioration.
For years, two motor pumps have been deployed to irrigate and drain over 1,500 acres of paddy fields in Kuruttissery village. The Vazhathara motor draws water from the Ilambanam canal, while the Vattapandari motor, located on the western side of Naaluthodu paddy fields, supports the rest of the area.
These motors use ‘pettiyum parayum’, the indigenous infrastructure for lifting and channeling water while preparing the land. Traditionally, they are shifted to safe locations after harvest, but this time, they have been left exposed, much to the dismay of local farmers.
The two motors were allotted to the fields here five years ago by Minister Saji Cherian. However, due to irresponsible handling by the Padashekhara Vikasana Samithi, the wooden equipment at Vattapandari was ruined after being left submerged for long. Since then, farmers have been renting equipment to keep operations going.
Although the Vazhathara motor itself was secured in time, its equipment remains underwater west of the Chakkittapalam bridge. The wooden equipment was installed in the water before the last season began and remains submerged. Damage to the equipment will affect farming from next season.
Farmers have blamed the indifference of the Padashekhara Vikasana Samithi for the state of affairs.