JD(S) party workers, including MLAs Sa Ra Mahesh and Chikkamadu, and former MP A H Vishwanath, launched an indefinite protest in front of the Command Area Development Authority (CADA) office, in the city, on Monday.
The protestors raised slogans against the state government and demanded the authorities concerned to release water to the canals immediately. The agitators said, although it was decided to release water to Harangi, Kattepura and Goruru canals in a meeting chaired by Kodagu district in-charge minister M R Seetharam on July 18, the officials have not released water even after the Harangi Dam was filled to the brim. The ponds and the lakes have dried up due to below par rainfall because of which the farmers are facing hardships, they said.
The protestors alleged that the state government had promised to provide sufficient water for crops in 2016, but, failed to release even for a single crop. But, the authorities are releasing 10,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu, they alleged.
MLA Sa Ra Mahesh said, due to shortage of rains, this year too, the state may face drought. The dams have not filled as per expectations. Crops on vast stretch of lands have already been lost, he said.
He urged the state government to take measures to fill the lakes.
KR Nagar MLA accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of failing to provide adequate compensation to the affected farmers. He demanded that the government should provide a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre.
Earlier during the day, the protestors took out a march from MLA Mahesh’s office on Sita Vilas Road to CADA office.
The agitators made an attempt to rush to K R Circle, where protests are banned. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr H T Shekar managed to convince the agitators and sent them back.
Corporators K V Mallesh, R Lingappa, S B M Manju and JD(S) district unit president Narasimhaswamy were present.
DH News Service
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