Dandavati evokes protests and support

Addressing a meeting of farmers who are on indefinite dharna from past 18 days opposing implementation of Dandavati project in Sorab, JD(S) Supremo H D Deve Gowda said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is trying to implement the project for political reasons. Expressing solidarity with protesters, Deve Gowda said the project would result in large scale displacement and loss of natural forest.

Former Chief Minister S Bangarappa who spoke on the occasion said Yeddyurappa was indulging in vote bank politics by implementing the Dandavati project. Right from the British days, experts were against the proposal on grounds of feasibility and viability, he observed.
Former minister Kagodu Thimmappa attended the programme while another former minister Kumar Bangarappa was absent.

Addressing a protest meet of farmers favouring implementation of Dandavati project in Anavatti, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies H Halappa reiterated State Government’s commitment to implement the project. He promised the best possible compensation for families that will be displaced due to the project. “It was BJP’s poll promise to implement Dandavati project and we are committed to it. Construction of a reservoir across Dandavati river will feed the land in Anavatti and Jade hoblis which are drought-hit,” he said.

Advisor to the Chief Minister M K Diwakar and Malnad Area Development Board Chairman Padmanabha Bhat were present.

In the wake of violent incidents during the ceremony to lay the foundation-stone of the project last year, security personnel were deployed in large numbers in Sorab town and Anavatti.