Cauvery row: demand for release of water to canals grows shriller

The demand for release of water from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir into the canals has gathered steam, with farmers, members of various organisations and political leaders in the district joining the agitation.

MLA K S Puttannaiah, addressing the reporters here on Monday, condemned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for issuing irresponsible statements that it is not possible to release water to canals.

“With a below par monsoon in the district, so far, the district is likely to experience drought this year too, creating fear among the farmers. Hence, an indefinite protest will be staged from August 2, demanding release of water to the canals. The Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting should be convened and a decision should be taken in this regard immediately,” he said.

“Water should be released to the lakes and ponds to facilitate farmers to grow legumes and millets, which consume less water. This would also improve the water table and rejuvenate borewells. The water stored in the reservoirs in the Cauvery basin should be made available to the farmers. The government should take an immediate decision in this regard,” Puttannaiah demanded.

Raitha Morcha

The members of BJP Raitha Morcha submitted a memorandum, signed in blood, to Deputy Commissioner S Ziaullah on Monday.

They shouted slogans against the state government and pleaded the government to ‘release water to the canals or allow mercy killing’. The agitating Raitha Morcha members demanded the government to stop the water being released to Tamil Nadu, immediately. While the farmers of the district are facing severe crisis, the release of water to the neighbouring state only reflects the negligence of the government, they alleged.

JD(S) joins protest

JD(S) workers, led by MP C S Puttaraju, staged a protest in the city, expressing their solidarity with the farmers of Cauvery basin. They took out a protest rally from Visvesvaraya statue to the DC’s office during which they raised slogans against the state government.

Speaking to reporters, Puttaraju said, “Representatives of farmers, led by Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Marithibbegowda, will meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urge him to release water to the canals.”