CH NEWS, CHIKKODI
Thousands of farmers staged a major protest on the Vijayapura-Sankeshwar National Highway in Athani taluk on Thursday, demanding that taluks in Belagavi district be included in the second phase of the state’s drought-hit list.
Farmers expressed anger after no taluk from Belagavi district was included in the drought list announced by the government. They said poor rainfall and worsening water shortages had severely affected agriculture. Crops are struggling without sufficient water, while cattle are also facing difficulties getting drinking water.
The protest was led by Shashikant Guruji. Farmers blocked traffic and raised slogans against the state government, demanding immediate recognition of drought conditions across the district. They said all 16 taluks should be considered for drought status after a detailed assessment. They also questioned why some areas were excluded despite officials reportedly completing drought surveys in several taluks.
Guruji said farmers were not protesting for political benefit but to protect their rights and seek relief. He urged elected representatives to set aside differences and speak for affected farmers. Officials who reached the protest site received the farmers’ complaints and assured them that their demands would be brought to the government’s attention.
The protesters demanded drought relief and other government assistance for affected farmers, drinking water and fodder for cattle, and urgent action based on existing drought assessment reports. They also called for a permanent irrigation project using Krishna river water, saying the region has the river but lacks adequate irrigation facilities. Farmers said the government must act quickly and include eligible Belagavi taluks in the second-stage drought declaration to provide timely support and prevent further hardship in rural communities.
