Traders demand building for T.N.’s second largest vegetable market in Gangavalli constituency

The Gangavalli (SC) constituency, earlier known as Thalaivasal Assembly constituency, was formed in 2008 after delimitation. This constituency is situated 72 km from Salem Town and consists of Gangavalli taluk and a portion of Attur taluk. Considered an AIADMK stronghold, the party or its alliance have won in the last three elections (AIADMK- 2016, 2021; DMDK (alliance)- 2011) held after the formation of the constituency.

Farming is the primary occupation of the people in the constituency, which also houses dozens of sago mills. Tapioca is cultivated on over 700 hectares, corn (400 hectares), turmeric (300 hectares) and paddy (100 hectares). Sugarcane is cultivated in large scale in Thalaivasal, Veeraganur, and Tammampatti.

The residents wanted the Advanced Institute of Integrated Research on Livestock and Animal Sciences (AIIRLAS) in Thalaivasal become fully functional. K. Sampath Kumar, a resident of Gangavalli, said that the institute was constructed at a cost of ₹1,200 crore during the AIADMK regime. “The institute will benefit farmers rearing livestock, once if it is fully functional,” he added.

M. Thangamani, a farmer at Thalaivasal, sought a sugar mill in the constituency. He said the farmers in Thalaivasal transport sugarcane to mills in Kallakurichi district. Farmers in Veeraganur and Tammampatti also send their canes to a private sugar mill in Perambalur district. “Preference is given to farmers from their own district, and there is also a difference in payment for sugarcane to other district farmers or a delay in cutting the sugarcane,” he added.

A. Selvam, a vegetable trader, demanded a permanent structure for the Thalaivasal vegetable market, the second largest vegetable market in Tamil Nadu. The shops now function in the open or in temporary sheds. “We need a permanent structure with basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and lights” he said.

R. Alagesan, a resident of Tammampatti, said that for the past 60 years, farmers have been demanding a dam in the region. River Suvedha originates at Pachamalai and Kolli Hills, passes through Tammampatti and reaches the Perambalur district, from where it flows into the sea in Cuddalore district. “Construction of a dam will help people get water for drinking and agricultural purposes,” he said.

Bus connectivity between villages also remains a problem. J. Nagaraj, a resident of Koodamalai, said that there are 800 families in Pachamalai, and demanded buses between Naripadi and Koodamalai. “Students from Pachamalai are forced to stay in hostels due to absence of bus facilities,” he said. Traffic congestion during the peak hours in Tammampatti town could be avoided if a ring road is constructed, he added.

Jothi Mani, a farmer from Naduvalur, stated that the paddy procurement centres at many places, including Veppanatham and Puliyankurichi villages, have poor storage facilities. The paddy bags stored in the open are damaged during rain, he said and demanded a godown with better facilities.

With the AIADMK, DMK, TVK, and NTK in the fray, Gangavalli constituency will be facing a four-cornered fight this time. AIADMK cadre claimed that their victory was ensured, as people never gave a chance to other alliances except the AIADMK. The DMK cadre hope that this time, due to the financial assistance provided to women and the implementation of various welfare schemes, people would give them a chance. The NTK and TVK cadres also hope to win the election.