With farmers withdrawing their two-day protest against restrictions imposed by the Forest Department, trucks carrying silt from the Bhavanisagar Dam were allowed to pass through the Karachikorai forest check post in Erode on Monday (June 8, 2026).The State government had recently permitted the free extraction of silt from the reservoir for agricultural purposes. Following this, farmers obtained permission from the Revenue Department and the Water Resources Department to remove silt from the reservoir bed. However, restrictions imposed by the Forest Department on the movement of trucks along a forest road led to protests by farmers and members of the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Protection Association.The water spread area of the dam, from where the silt is being removed, is located about six kilometres from the check post under the control of the Forest Department. Farmers alleged that only 100 vehicles were being allowed to pass through the check post each day and demanded that all vehicles with valid permits be allowed to transport silt.Indefinite strikeMore than 100 farmers staged a demonstration in front of the District Forest Office in Sathyamangalam on June 5, demanding that all permitted vehicles be allowed to use the forest road. As talks with officials failed to yield a breakthrough, a section of the farmers launched an indefinite hunger strike.On June 6, farmers from various parts of the region joined the agitation in support of those on hunger strike. Officials from the Forest, Revenue, and Police Departments subsequently held fresh talks with the protesters.During the negotiations, the farmers reiterated their demand that all vehicles authorised to remove silt from the dam be allowed to use the forest road. Following the discussions, officials announced that vehicles with valid permits would be permitted to pass through the Karachikorai check post and use the forest road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.Conditional permissionThe permission was subject to conditions, including adherence to speed limits within the forest area, carrying valid documents, and ensuring that wildlife was not disturbed. Following the announcement, the farmers withdrew their agitation late on Saturday (June 6) night, bringing the two-day protest to an end.On Monday, trucks resumed transporting silt from the dam through the check post. Farmers said the decision would help cultivators secure nutrient-rich silt for their fields. Published - June 08, 2026 05:13 pm IST