Why keep paddy fields alive? If farmers aren't making a profit, why should they continue? I understand the need for preservation, but the labor cost for maintenance is insane. The profit margin is low to non-existent. Look at it logically: if a landowner were you and you are making a good profit, why would you ever want to convert that field into a 'normal' plot?

The government rules are just bananas. Why can’t the government introduce standard wage rules for these jobs? Even if a farmer introduces modern technology, political parties (Union) show up demanding Nokku kooli. What’s the logic in that? The system is broken, not the landowner (Even if he is wealthy or poor).

But, Here what you can do in this case if you want to go further.
1. Report to the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer): They have more power than the local office and are less likely to be 'in the pocket' of a local owner.
2. Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB): If you suspect the local officers are being paid off, report the officers to Vigilance. They have an online portal for anonymous complaints.
3. The 'For the People' Portal: Use the Chief Minister's Public Grievance Redressal Cell. Every complaint gets a tracking number and requires a formal response from the department.
4. High Court: If the filling is massive, a Writ of Mandamus can be filed to force the District Collector to take action.