A woman farmer broke down after more than 100 trees cultivated by her family for over a decade were felled for a high-voltage electricity transmission project in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district.

The incident occurred at Selvi’s farm in Vadathorasalur village near Thiyagadurgam. Videos showing her embracing the trees and pleading with workers to stop cutting them have circulated widely on social media.

Selvi and her son Balamurugan, a dentist, had developed the land as a diversified farm using natural cultivation methods. Mango, teak, mahogany and papaya were among the trees maintained by the family, according to regional media reports. OneIndia Tamil and Thanthi TV reported that more than 100 trees were removed.

Family Says It Requested Route Change

The family said officials had inspected the property as part of work on a high-voltage transmission tower and power line in the Thiyagadurgam area.

Selvi had reportedly requested that the alignment be shifted slightly so that the line could pass without destroying the trees. The family claimed that officials initially indicated that an alternative arrangement would be considered.

However, the trees were subsequently felled using machinery in the presence of police personnel, the reports said. Selvi and Balamurugan alleged that they had not provided proper consent and had not received full compensation before the operation.

These claims have not yet been confirmed by the district administration or the electricity authorities.

Video Draws Attention to Farmers’ Concerns

Footage from the site showed Selvi becoming emotional as workers cut the trees. She said the family had nurtured them for years and questioned why development projects could not be implemented while minimising environmental damage.

The incident has renewed attention to disputes surrounding transmission projects on agricultural land. While such infrastructure is essential for expanding electricity connectivity, farmers frequently raise concerns about alignment decisions, damage to crops and trees, and the calculation and timing of compensation.

Official Clarification Awaited

As of publication, no detailed public response from the electricity utility or the Kallakurichi district administration had been located concerning the family’s allegations.

Officials are expected to clarify whether advance notice and consent procedures were followed, what compensation was assessed, and whether alternative alignments were technically examined.

The precise voltage and route of the transmission project have also not been officially confirmed. Those details should be added when the project authority releases a statement.