Collector R. Vaithinathan addressing farmers at the grievance redress meeting held at Theni Collectorate on Friday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Theni Collector R. Vaithinathan on Friday told the farmers that the process was under way to establish permanent direct purchase centres at 14 places in Theni district. These centres will have adequate infrastructure facilities, he said.The Collector was presiding over the farmer grievance redress meeting at the Collectorate. Farmers highlighted various issues at the meeting, including the need for adequate number of DPCs, removal of encroachments from waterbodies and need for proper bus services to the interior villages.The farmers also complained about the lack of adequate water for drinking and agricultural purposes. They also sought drought relief measures. They urged the authorities to take necessary steps to provide water to resolve the issue. Steps should be taken to improve the groundwater level, they said.The farmers highlighted the need to construct check dams near Munthal in Bodinayakanur and near Veerappa Ayyanar Temple in Theni-Allinagaram. They said funds should be allocated for the maintenance of waterbodies.The farmers demanded proper bus services and better roads. A request was made for a tar road from Kannakarai to Maruthanayanur in Agamalai area. A request was made for roads to farming areas in Bodi North hills and from Sundararajapuram to Theppampatti. A request was also made for bus services to Siraikadu.The farmers said the government buses operating between Theni and Kamatchipuram via Kottur were in a bad condition and urged the authorities to deploy new buses.To a query raised by the farmers regarding the Agricultural Extension Centre in Periyakulam, the Collector asked the farmers to identify and propose a location that was easily accessible to them and inform the authorities.The Collector assured that all farmers petitions would be resolved within 15 days and instructed officials from all departments to provide immediate and appropriate responses to the farmers regarding the petitions. Published - July 18, 2026 10:09 pm IST
