Athani taluk observes bandh for water from Maharashtra

A bandh was observed in the town on Monday demanding the release of water from dams in Maharashtra into river Krishna for meeting the drinking water requirements of parched villages in Athani taluk.

Drinking water problems were compounding in Athani taluk by the passing of each day with driver Krishna drying up more than a month ago. In earlier years, water was released by Maharashtra during summer which used to ease the situation to some extent. This year water not being released has led in people being forced to wander to fetch a pot of potable water.

During the weekend office bearers of various organisations and political parties had held a meeting and given ultimatum up to May 20, for the state government to get water released from Maharashtra. As the demand was not met, bandh was observed in the town.

Activists set tyres on fire at prominent circles and expressed their ire. Buses did not move out of the bus-stand, while markets remained closed with traders expressing support for the bandh. Section of activists blocked roads in the town by staging sit-in in semi-nude condition.

MLA Mahesh Kumathalli too joined the sit-in protest being staged.