Kallanai villagers demand removal of seemai karuvelam from water bodies

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Villagers of Melur taluk have urged the district administration to clear seemai karuvelam trees that are regrowing in Kallanai kanmai, the primary water source of Kallanai village in Kallikudi taluk.

The kanmai serves as a vital source for drinking water, irrigation, livestock rearing, and other needs of local residents. Earlier, with the cooperation of government departments, Rotary Club, and villagers, the seemai karuvelam trees in the kanmai were cleared at a cost of several lakhs of rupees, said Selvaraj, a resident.

At present, seemai karuvelam saplings have begun to regrow from leftover seeds and roots, and if they are cleared at an early stage, it can be done at a low cost. Otherwise, they will grow back into dense bushes, leading to a situation where the government will have to spend a large amount of money to remove them again.

Interestingly, without waiting for government action, the people of the village, youth, and volunteers have been coming together every Saturday and Sunday to clear the newly grown saplings in the kanmai. However, the voluntary work of the public alone is not sufficient. The government must directly intervene and provide necessary workers, tools, and technical assistance, he added..

Meanwhile, P. K. G. Chandran, coordinator of the protest committee that closed eight stone quarries, has urged action not only on the Kallanai kanmai but also on various issues related to water resources and public lands in the area. Water coming from the Gundar flows into stone quarries, blocking inflow to other kanmais and affecting the water resources of the farmers.

Protecting the Kallanai kanmai is not just about safeguarding a water body, but protecting the water resources, agriculture, and future livelihood of the local people, he said.

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