Farmers’ associations across Dindigul district have urged the Tamil Nadu government to officially declare the district drought-hit, citing prolonged rainfall shortage, falling groundwater levels and the drying up of irrigation tanks and reservoirs. The demand intensified during farmers’ meetings in July and September 2026, as agricultural activities became increasingly difficult in several parts of the district. India Live
Farmers said that around 70 water tanks had completely dried up and that there had been little or no inflow into reservoirs because catchment areas had not received sufficient rainfall. They argued that the resulting shortage of irrigation water had reduced cultivation, damaged standing crops and caused substantial financial losses. India Live
The water crisis has also affected drinking-water supplies. At Dindigul Corporation Council meetings, councillors complained that many localities were not receiving water regularly and asked authorities to maintain supply through tankers where necessary. Residents from several parts of the district have also submitted petitions and staged protests seeking measures to address the shortage. India News Live
Farmers have demanded compensation for crop losses and a complete waiver of crop loans, saying many cultivators have been unable to earn enough from agriculture under the prevailing conditions. At a grievance-redress meeting on September 18, a section of farmers staged a walkout and again pressed the government to declare Dindigul drought-hit. They also sought an official survey of drought-affected coconut trees so that eligible farmers could receive relief. dnxguru.com
Farmers have additionally called for desilting of tanks and irrigation channels, removal of encroachments from waterbodies and better long-term water-management measures. Some also requested that water from the Cauvery be brought to the region. Officials said a proposal was under consideration to bring water to about 60 irrigation tanks, while the District Collector said drinking-water supply would remain a priority. India Live
The effects of the shortage were already visible earlier in the agricultural season. In July, the usual kuruvai paddy cultivation area of roughly 900–1,100 hectares in Dindigul had fallen to about 500 hectares, as low storage in the Vaigai and Mullaperiyar systems limited irrigation availability. The New Indian Express
The farmers’ central demand is that an official drought declaration should be followed by crop-loss compensation, loan relief, improved drinking-water supply and restoration of irrigation infrastructure. As of the latest reports cited here, farmers were continuing to press these demands while district authorities focused on drinking-water measures and assessment of affected areas.