Koppal
A massive rally and foot march will be organised from Anjanadri Hill to the Tungabhadra Dam headquarters at Munirabad on July 31, demanding the release of water up to the 11-A sub-canal of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal, farmer leader Dr Basavaraj Kavatar said.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP district office in Koppal on Wednesday, Dr Kavatar said farmers would begin the agitation by offering prayers at Anjanadri Hill. They would then travel in a tractor and motorcycle rally up to Hitnal Cross, from where a foot march would be taken out to the Karnataka Command Area Development Authority (CADA) office at Munirabad.
He warned that if the Tungabhadra authorities failed to release water as demanded, an indefinite dharna would begin in front of the CADA office on the same day.
Dr Kavatar said farmers had earlier staged a protest at Munirabad on July 20 and submitted a memorandum seeking the release of 1.5 TMC of water, sufficient for one crop season, up to the 11-A sub-canal. A representation was also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner on July 21, but no response had been received from the government, he alleged.
According to the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal award and the water rights associated with the Koragal Anicut canal system, farmers in the region have the first right over the water, he said. “The government is refusing to release water despite the legitimate rights of farmers. We will not allow farmers’ rights to be taken away,” he added.
Former MLA Paranna Munavalli said the demand for the release of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir into the canals was justified. He said a preparatory meeting had already been held at Pampa Sarovara and that farmers must receive their rightful share of water.
Munavalli said he and MLA Janardhan Reddy would lead a large number of people in the rally. He warned that if the authorities failed to release water as promised, the government would be held directly responsible for any untoward developments arising from the agitation.
Dr Kavatar appealed to farmers, youth and women from the Tungabhadra Left Bank command area to participate in large numbers and make the movement successful.
Legislative Council member Hemalatha Nayak, BJP district president Naveen Gulagannavar, Khaja Hussain Hosalli and others were present at the press conference.
Farmers protest over Tungabhadra water release
- Farmers demand release of 1.5 TMC water.
- Protesters cite legal water rights under tribunal.
- Government ignores previous memorandums and representations.
- Leaders plan major rally with local MLAs.
- Authorities warned of responsibility for agitation consequences.