Drought in Tamil Nadu: Long wait to slake thirst of parched farmlands

Worst drought in the state in 140 years is impacting farmers' livelihood, and leading to suicides

The state is facing the worst drought in 140 years. Water resources are becoming depleted, taking a toll on the livelihood of farmers, which is leading to suicides. T E Narasimhan and Gireesh Babu report from the drought-hit districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram

Azhagesan, 36, had been under stress for several days because his paddy field, a piece of leased land in a small village in Tiruvarur district, withered owing to the scorching sun, deficient rain, and dried-up water resources. He was found dead in his field, leaving his three children and their mother in the lurch.