Convince Centre on Kalasa-Banduri, State told

Host of Kannada film personalities take part in protest over Mahadayi water dispute

Kannada film personalities on Friday demanded that the State government lead another all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and convince him to take steps for the amicable settlement of the Mahadayi river water dispute between Karnataka and Goa and facilitate the State to immediately implement the Kalasa-Banduri project.

A host of actors, producers, directors and film technicians took out a procession from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) building and staged a protest demonstration in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Maurya Circle.

Senior actor Shivaraj Kumar and producer S R Govindu led the protesters. They said the foundation stone was laid for the Kalasa-Banduri project some 35 years ago with the intention of supplying drinking water to about 85 per cent of the population of North Karnataka.

The National Water Policy clearly states that there should not be any opposition for drinking water projects. Hence, the Goan government’s non-cooperation cannot be justified, they said.

All the MLAs, MLCs and MPs should pressure the Centre and ensure that the project is implemented. The Kannada film industry always supported such efforts, they said.
‘Attacks on Kannadigas’

The protesters expressed anguish over the increasing atrocities against Kannadigas in Goa. “The number of atrocities against Kannadigas in Goa is increasing. The Goan government is not willing to act against those committing the crimes. Hence, the Karnataka government should immediately take up the matter with the Goan government,” Govindu said.

Sandalwood (Kannada film industry) took a decision to boycott the 46th International Film Festival only to attract the attention of the Central government towards the Kalasa-Banduri project and the atrocities perpetrated against Kannadigas in Goa, he said.

Shivaraj Kumar said the Kannada film industry would fight till the project was implemented and the atrocities against Kannadigas in Goa were stopped. “Our politicians are in deep slumber even as farmers are protesting for the project for the last 128 days. They should wake up and do justice to the people,” said senior actor Doddanna.

They submitted a memorandum to Home Minister G Parameshwara requesting him to put pressure on the Central government.

Senior actors Bank Janardhan, Ashok, B Saroja Devi, Srinath, Ragini Dwivedi, Sanjaana, producers Rockline Venkatesh, K Manju and KFCC president Gangaraju participated in the procession.