*30 year-Old Community Forest Allegedly Razed for Windmill Project in Karur,Farmers Appeal*

Felling of trees for Windmill project.

*DASINAICKANOOR (KARUR DT):* concern prevails in Dasinaickanoor village, Pappakkapatti Panchayat, Karur District, after villagers alleged large-scale deforestation and destruction of water bodies by alledged TATA Power Renewable Energy Private Limited for its windmill project.

According to residents, over 190 acres of village common land was transformed into a lush green belt over the last 30 years through the tireless efforts of a grass-roots voluntary organisation and the local public. The land was enriched with massive tree plantations and water conservation structures like minor check dams and recharge pits, which became a model for Climate Change Adaptation and ensured water for marginal farmers' wells.

Villagers now allege that the company has chopped down the fully-grown trees and demolished the water bodies, blocking the natural water flow in the commons.

Social activist *Mr. Gramium Narayanan*, who is leading the protest with farmers, said, _"This is a cruel paradox. You cannot build green energy by destroying 30 years of green cover and the water security of poor farmers."_

The community has appealed to the Tamil Nadu Government to immediately intervene, stop the deforestation, conduct an impartial inquiry, and protect the common lands and water resources of Dasinaickanoor.,* Kris