Farmers from 10 villages of the Erode district today hoisted black flags protesting non-release of water for irrigation.

Farmers belonging to 10 villages of Lower Bhavani project ayacut area were protesting as water from Lower Bhavani Project reservoir was not released as scheduled.

The Lower Bhavani Project reservoir is the lifeline of farmers in Erode district and it irrigates more than 2.50 lakh acres of land.

As per schedule water would be allowed from the reservoir for wet crops for four months from August 15 and dry crops for another four months from December 15.

But this year despite farmers’ request no announcement over release of water for old ayacut lands of Lower Bhavani project has been made by the government, farmers said.