Davanagere
Farmers in Davanagere have called for a city-wide bandh on Monday, demanding the immediate release of water from the Bhadra reservoir through canals for drinking water and agricultural needs.
The bandh has been called by the Bharatiya Raitha Okkuta, with a protest planned under the leadership of former minister S.A. Ravindranath. Farmers have urged the government to release Bhadra canal water without further delay to protect standing crops and meet drinking water requirements.
Residents, traders and people from various sections of society have extended support to the bandh, according to the organisers. With a large gathering expected during the protest, police have made elaborate security arrangements across the city as a precautionary measure.
Additional personnel have been deployed at major junctions and other sensitive locations to prevent any untoward incident. Police are closely monitoring the situation as the farmers have indicated that the agitation could intensify if their demands are not addressed.
Farmers have expressed anger over the government’s alleged delay in releasing water despite the Bhadra reservoir having around 175 feet of water. They have accused the authorities of neglecting the interests of farmers and alleged that water is being withheld for other purposes.
The farmers have demanded that water be released immediately for crops and drinking water requirements. They warned that failure to release Bhadra water would lead to stronger protests in the coming days.
The bandh is expected to affect normal commercial activity and traffic movement in parts of Davanagere. Authorities have appealed to protestors and the public to maintain peace and cooperate with security personnel.
