Sivaganga farmers stage protest against graphite extraction

Farmers near Sivaganga through a protest voice their strong opposition against the extraction of graphite minerals by a private entity in the region.

According to the protesters, a contract was awarded in November 2023 to mine graphite in the Iluppakudi area, a project that reportedly required the acquisition of 633.5 hectares of land across the villages of Kumarapatti, Arasanur, and Iluppakudi.

They said, they was deeply concerned as the region has already seen significant land acquisitions, including 500 acres for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and 775 acres for the Arasanur SIPCOT industrial estate.

Residents argued that the establishment of another private graphite plant would lead to the total destruction of local agriculture and severely deplete vital water resources. To protect their livelihood, villagers have been conducting phased demonstrations since December 29 and January 7, drawing support from various political parties, including the AIADMK and Communist parties.

A large-scale protest was recently organised in Iluppakudi by the Coordination Committee of All Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Associations. Led by former village council presidents Azhagarsamy and Sadhasivam, the demonstration saw participation from hundreds of residents across Iluppakudi, Tamarakki, Kumarapatti, Arasanur, and Kilathari.
Addressing the gathering, Farmers’ Association leader P.R. Pandian and Mullai Periyar-Vaigai Irrigation Farmers Association General Secretary Adhimoolam urged the government to scrap the project immediately. The leaders emphasised that the farmers were determined to continue their struggle until the plan to acquire their ancestral agricultural lands for private mining was withdrawn.