Ramanathapuram Unites for Urgent Development Demands
A coalition of key sectors in Ramanathapuram, including agriculture, fishing, and commerce, has presented a detailed development plan to the DMK Election Manifesto Committee. The proposals, submitted to MP Kanimozhi on February 10, call for significant policy changes, such as the establishment of a state-run insurance company and the introduction of sea ambulances. The collective aims to address pressing issues faced by the district, particularly in light of recent environmental challenges.
Farmers Demand Comprehensive Support and Infrastructure
The Ramanathapuram District Farmers’ Association Coordination Committee has voiced serious concerns over the devastating impact of extreme weather on local agriculture. Over the past five years, farmers have suffered from four years of flooding followed by a year of severe drought, leading to substantial crop losses. The committee criticized the existing crop insurance model, describing it as overly focused on corporate interests. They urged the Tamil Nadu government to establish its own State Insurance Company to better serve local farmers.
Among their key demands is a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,200 per quintal for paddy, along with an acreage subsidy of ₹7,000, inspired by Telangana’s successful Rythu Bandhu scheme. Additionally, the farmers are calling for the immediate implementation of the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project and the construction of a check dam on the Kottakkari River to enhance irrigation and water management.
Fishing Community Seeks Safety and Economic Stability
The fishing community, represented by the Fishermen Welfare Association, is advocating for urgent measures to ensure their safety and economic viability. They are calling for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of fishermen currently imprisoned in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the association has proposed the creation of a dedicated fleet for Tamil Nadu ports to provide emergency medical care and rescue services for missing fishermen through sea ambulances.
Additional demands include granting Marine Tribal status to traditional fishing communities, increasing diesel subsidies to 3,000 litres per month, and securing a nominated Rajya Sabha seat to represent their interests at the federal level. The Ramanathapuram Chamber of Commerce has also expressed the need for a significant industrial transformation, suggesting the establishment of a passenger airport and a four-lane road connecting coastal areas. They are advocating for the revival of the ship-breaking industry at Valinokkam and the development of factories to process local resources such as seafood, chili, and salt.
Moreover, the District Chemists and Druggists Association has raised concerns about public health, urging a ban on the sale of common medicines in grocery stores and online, citing the rise of counterfeit drugs. They are also pushing for legal protections for pharmacists under Act 48/2008, emphasizing the importance of recognizing pharmacy as an essential medical service.
Across all sectors, there is a unified call for effective water management solutions, including the desilting of local water bodies and the implementation of comprehensive strategies to address the ongoing water crisis in Ramanathapuram.
