Davanagere
The agitation over Bhadra Reservoir water has intensified in Davanagere, with farmers strongly opposing the release of 3 TMC of water to the Upper Bhadra project in Chitradurga district. Farmers say their coconut, sugarcane and arecanut crops are drying up because of prolonged lack of rainfall.
Farmers blocked National Highway 48, demanding immediate release of Bhadra water to canals serving the command area. They alleged that the government released water to Upper Bhadra without convening the Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC) meeting. BJP leaders, including former minister Renukacharya, joined the protest.
Tension rose when police stopped protesters from cooking food on the roadside as part of their agitation. Several leaders and farmers were taken into preventive custody. During the confrontation, farmer Shivayogi and Police Inspector Suresh Sagari were injured. The detention of the protesters further angered farmers gathered at the site.
Farmer leaders said the situation had become critical as reservoirs and tanks had dried up and arecanut plantations were suffering. They demanded water for standing crops and drinking purposes. Farmer leader Kolenahalli Satish said releasing water to Upper Bhadra without an ICC meeting was improper and accused the authorities of suppressing a peaceful protest.
However, another group led by former minister S.A. Ravindranath has opposed releasing water at this stage. The group argued that the time for paddy transplantation has passed and the available water should instead be conserved for summer crops. The Bharatiya Raitha Okkuta has also urged authorities to protect farmers’ interests. The conflicting demands have intensified the dispute over Bhadra water allocation in Davanagere.
