×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Protests against release of Cauvery water to TN weakens

Last Updated 11 September 2016, 16:46 IST

As protests against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu showed signs of abating in Mandya, the epicentre of agitation, and other districts in the basin, no major blockade was reported on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway today, police said.

Bengaluru-Mysuru highway was clear and other routes were open now, Mandy Police officials said, adding, buses were also running as usual.

Road traffic between Bengaluru and Mysuru had seen regular disruptions and blockade following the September 5 Supreme Court's directive to Karnataka for release of water to Tamil Nadu.
However, some protests by farmers and pro-Kannada outfits were reported in Mandya, Hassan and nearby places today.

In Mandya, 'Cauvery Hitarakshana Samithi' (Cauvery Welfare Committee) under the leadership of its President G Madegowda met to discuss further strategy. They have demanded for immediate stopping of water being released to Tamil Nadu, compensation for farmers and withdrawal of cases against Cauvery protesters.

They have also decided to hold meeting of Legislators from Cauvery belt on September 14.

Meanwhile, BJP state President and Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa joined protest in Mandya today, while JD(S) Supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda conducted aerial survey of the water levels at dams in Cauvery basin region.

Speaking to reporters, Gowda supported government's decision to release water to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court's directive keeping in mind the main petition that coming up in the Supreme Court on October 18, where the state is challenging the final award of the tribunal.

"I had asked to release water, because if we disobey today, we may not get any benefit from the main petition which is coming up on October 18. If we don't get any benefit from it, Karnataka's fate will be sealed", he said

Deve Gowda's remarks supporting government's decision to release water to Tamil Nadu is being criticised as it is contrary to party's stand which has been staging protests in Mandya and Hassan against the release of water.

On September 5, the apex court had directed Karnataka government to release 15,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for the next 10 days to meet the irrigation requirement for Samba paddy crop.
 
Karnataka has moved the Supreme Court for urgent hearing on its plea seeking a direction to restrict the quantum of water to be released from Cauvery river to Tamil Nadu, from 15,000 cusecs to 1,000 cusecs.

The application filed late last evening has sought for modification of the apex court's September 5 order.

It has sought that instead of 10 days, the apex court should restrict the flow of water only for 6 days as the state itself was facing distress situation in view of massive agitation and loss of Rs 500 crore per day.

Meanwhile, the Cauvery Supervisory Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow in Delhi to decide on the quantum of the river's water to be released to Tamil Nadu and other states. 

CPI also condemned the attack on Tamils and their establishments in Karnataka by some groups and charged the Karnataka government with remaining silent despite violence.

The party's state leader Mutharasan said in a release here that despite the Supreme Court order to release water, there were forces in Karnataka opposed to it and to Tamil Nadu getting its due share of water.

The centre and Karnataka governments should take strong action against such elements and protect the Tamils and their establishments, he said.

The Tamil Nadu government should also convene an all party meeting to discuss the issue, he said.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 11 September 2016, 15:30 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT