The Kalingarayan Farmers and Workers Welfare Association has urged the State government to release water through the Kalingarayan Canal for irrigation on or before July 5, failing which it will launch an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Collectorate from July 6.The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the association held at a private hall in Solangapalayam to discuss the delay in releasing irrigation water through the canal.The association condemned the Water Resources Department for not releasing water on June 16 despite adequate storage in the Bhavanisagar Dam. It also criticised the delay in releasing water even though the Public Works Department had reportedly sent its recommendation to the State government on Sunday (June 28, 2026).The association further alleged that the government had assured farmers last year that water would be released on time after the canal was closed in advance to facilitate construction works, but the assurance had not been honoured. It urged the authorities to release water immediately to enable farmers to take up cultivation and warned that it would intensify its agitation if the demand was not met. Published - June 29, 2026 06:47 pm IST