Farmers from Maanur union approached Collector R. Sukumar on Monday seeking compensation for paddy crop loss. The farmers, led by D. Abraham, district secretary of the Coordination Committee of Tamil Nadu All Farmers Associations, said their paddy fields depended mostly on wells because the Chittar irrigation system is limited. The northeast monsoon between October and December brought less rain than usual. This caused well water levels to drop sharply. Mr. Abraham said, "Since the paddy cultivated with well water in Maanur union, especially in Keezha Pillaiyarkulam and Kaanaarpatti, is withering fast due to water scarcity, we cannot save the standing crop. Hence, the District Collector should recommend to the Tamil Nadu Government to give compensation for the crop loss." Separately, a group of women living in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar near Pettai submitted a petition seeking land 'patta' for their homes. They had built huts with asbestos roofs on government poramboke land. According to the petitioners, revenue officials surveyed the area and recommended 'patta' for only 34 families out of 78. The rest were left out. The women said, "Since all are below poverty line families, the government should give 'patta' for all the families living in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar." The farmers and residents now await action from the authorities to address their urgent needs.