CHENNAI: The DMK warned that it would launch a massive protest in association with farmers if the Centre and State governments attempted to implement the Gail project cutting across the agricultural lands in the State. The DMK would extend its support to the farmers of the seven districts in staging the protest, DMK working president M. K. Stalin siad and claimed that the proposed gas-pipeline project should be abandoned as it would seal the fate of the farmers in Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts. The ruling AIADMK, which “failed” to protect the rights of Tamil Nadu in various issues including the NEET and Cauvery Management Board, “should not sleep over this move by the Centre” but prevent it in the interest of the TN farmers.
In a statement here on Saturday, Mr. Stalin said “the project aimed to lay pipe-lines for a distance of 310 km and 20 metre wide pipes on cultivable lands. “This would crush the future prospects of the small and marginal farmes in the districts concerned,” he added. In addition, this project would have more impact on educational institutions, housing, poultry farms. “Farmers have been upset by the GAIL project, which will affect the seven districts. Hence, the Centre should not ignore the welfare of the farmers but address their concerns,” Mr. Stalin said and reminded that the ryots have warned to “safeguard their lands even if they have to bite the bullets.”
