Coimbatore : The administration today released 450 cusecs of water to Kerala from Azhiyar dam in the district, following protests from farmers in that State and also drawing water from Siruvani, the lifeline of Coimbatore.

The release of water to Kerala attracted the ire of farmers and political parties in Pollachi, who wanted the Government to stop the release
immediately, police said.

There was tension in the border areas of both the States in and around Pollachi, as vehicles from Tamil Nadu were either stopped or pelted with stones over the last couple of days by Kerala farmers seeking water. Later, they resorted to taking water from Siruvani, the main drinking source of Coimbatore.

After detailed negotiations between State officials, 450 cusecs of water was released to Kerala for immediate irrigation purpose.

However, this attracted opposition from farmers and political parties who rushed to the sub-collector’s office, seeking to stop the release.

They submitted a memorandum seeking stoppage of water, which goes to Tirumurthy dam, from where it was released to Tirupur and Coimbatore districts for irrigation. They also demanded that Kerala should compensate the loss to lorry owners and others whose property had been destroyed as a result of stone-throwing, police said.