Tiruppur farmers block BPCL pipeline work for second day, seek higher compensation

Farmers in Tiruppur district on Tuesday continued to obstruct work on Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline (IDPL) project for the second consecutive day. The protests took place at Sikkaripuram near Veeracholapuram village and Ponparappi near Olapalayam in Vellakovil block, where the pipeline is intended to cross agricultural fields.

The farmers have put forward two primary demands: compensation of ₹2 lakh per cent of farmland, and the return of 40 feet out of the 60 feet of land earmarked for the project after the pipeline is laid. They argue that the current terms offered by BPCL are inadequate and fail to account for the long-term impact on their livelihoods.

The IDPL project is designed to transport 3.5 million metric tonnes of refined fuels per annum, with the pipeline's destination located in the neighbouring state of Karnataka. The farmers contend that the Tamil Nadu government should not pressure them to part with their agricultural land for a project that primarily benefits Karnataka, especially amid ongoing disputes over the Cauvery river water sharing.

Easan Murugesan, founder of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Protection Association, said that when Karnataka is refusing to release Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water and is proceeding with the Mekadatu reservoir project, there is no justification for farmers in Tamil Nadu to cooperate with BPCL's plans. This sentiment reflects a broader regional grievance that has been central to the protests.

The farmers also highlighted the adverse effects of an earlier pipeline laid 30 years ago from Irugur to Muthur, spanning 74 km. According to them, the value of their agricultural land plummeted after that project, and even nationalised banks became reluctant to offer farm loans on the affected properties. They fear that a similar fate awaits their remaining land if the new pipeline is allowed to proceed without adequate safeguards and compensation.

The decision by the State government to facilitate the project through police protection has added to the farmers' distress. They view this as an attempt to force the project through against their will, rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue to address their concerns.

BPCL and state authorities have yet to issue a detailed response to the farmers' demands. The situation remains tense, with farmers vowing to continue their protest until their grievances are addressed. The project, once completed, is expected to strengthen fuel supply infrastructure in the region, but the ongoing standoff highlights the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with the rights of landowners.