Rasta roko for implementation of lift irrigation project

Demanding speedy implementation of Kachenahalli, Alagondanahalli lift irrigation project at Dandiganhalli hobli, members of  Raitha Sangha, Neeravari Horata Samiti and Women’s organisations staged a rasta roko at Udayapura in Channarayapatna taluk on Tuesday.

Women and the other members who blocked the National Highway as a mark of protest displayed empty pots that showed the intensity of their problems.

The agitators claimed that the Kachenahalli lift irrigation project was launched by the then minister G Puttaswamy Gowda 20 years ago. The project was delayed due to political interference by the parties which came to power. Canals have been constructed at some places and Jackwell and pumphouse works have been completed.

But still the works are yet to be completed at many places and the officials of Cauvery Neeravari Nigam had assured to finish the project by June 2012. But the works are still pending. Land required for implementation of the project have not been acquired at Sannenahalli, Baladare and other villages, they complained.

Tenders were invited to take up the works from Athichowdenahalli to Maddanahalli a year ago, but till now there are no signs of works being taken up. If the lift irrigation is implemented the water problems of the region would be sorted out. If both the works are not taken up on war footing, the protests would be intensified, the agitators warned.

Tahsildar P Sunil Kumar visited the spot and received the memorandum. Congress leader Anupama Mahesh, social worker Ramdas, farmer leader Dodderi Srikantu and others were present.