Thoothukudi, Jan. 28 -- Due to heavy rainfall a few months ago, rainwater flowing from the urban areas of Thoothukudi passed through the salt pans in the Kala vasal region and drained into the sea. However, the rainwater has not fully receded even now and remains stagnant in the salt pans, making it impossible to resume salt production. Devastating visuals of waterlogging across several areas of the district highlight the downsides of the rains and underscore the difficulties they cause for locals.

Salt production is the primary occupation in the Kalava sal area, a suburban region of Thoothukudi. Hundreds of families depend entirely on these salt pans for their livelihood. Salt pan workers state that it will take at least three months fo...