ERODE: The Lower Bhavani Turn Irrigation Farmers Association have asked the Public Works Department to take immediate steps to carry out repairs and maintenance works in the water carrying channels of the Lower Bhavani Project. It claimed that a majority of the channels were heavily silted. The bunds were weak and the shutters needed immediate repairs.

The department should desilt the channels before the release of water on August 15, they demanded. The association passed a resolution to this effect at a meeting here recently. It wanted the department to provide information regarding the maintenance works carried out in the water carrying channels to the farmers associations. Farmers were not able to follow up the works being carried out by the department, the association complained.

It asked the agricultural engineering department to conduct training programmes on effective water management and conservation techniques to the farmers in the district.

The association wanted the Spices Board to re-open its field office in Erode, which would benefit a large number of farmers.

The board should take efforts to conduct training programmes for improving the productivity and the quality, it said. The association passed a resolution demanding officials to complete the construction of a bridge in Arachalur – Kodumudi main road before August 15.