The heavy rain that lashed the southern districts, washing away about six tons of salt stocked in salt-pan units, has affected the livelihood of about 40,000 people employed in salt manufacturing works. The salt-pan area in the district, located on about 20,000 acres, produces an average of 20 lakh tons of salt every year. The rain-induced damage will definitely affect the 1,200-odd salt manufacturers and their families. Further, about 3,00,000 persons who are indirectly linked to salt pans, such as transport and loading, among others, would also be affected.

The workers in the salt-pan units usually save up money to manage their expenses during the months when they would be unemployed. However, this year they had to spend all their savings to clean and rebuild their damaged houses. The income of their families would also be insufficient, exacerbating their financial situation. The Chief Minister has offered them a cash assistance of ₹5,000 for three months, but the workers are hoping for ₹10,000 each in compensation.

With almost all farmland inundated due to the heavy rain, the workers are unable to find alternative work in farms or construction. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) works, which many rely on during this time, are also not available due to severe infrastructure damages. Without work for the next three to four months, the workers are facing a significant financial crisis.

Authorities estimate that it will take at least three months to drain the rainwater from the salt pan areas before the resumption of salt production. However, considering the forecast for the upcoming days, it is unlikely to recede anytime soon. The State government and salt pan owners are being urged to provide cash assistance to support the workers during this difficult period.

In addition to the loss of livelihood for the workers, the delay in salt production season will result in a decrease in yield from the salt pans. Salt-pan owners are requesting financial aid from both the State and Central governments to recover from the losses. Restoring infrastructure such as roads, culverts, bridges, and electrical lines is also essential for efficient transport operations.