Illegal power connections used to draw water from Vaigai, say villagers

RESIDENTS of several villages bordering Vaigai river in Vadipatti taluk alleged that illegal power connections are being used for the operation of pumps to draw the river water for plantations, directly violating the Tangedco rules prohibiting electricity connection for pumps within 200 metres of waterbodies.

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Speaking to TNIE, K Sekar, a villager, said, "There are several banana and coconut plantations along the banks of the river in Vadipatti taluk. A closer look will reveal that these crops are irrigated using water illegally drawn from the river, powered by illegal electricity connections. As a majority of the pumps and the borewells are located within the plantations, nobody can notice them from the roads."