Withdraw cases against farmers in Cauvery issue: MLA Konaraddi

MLA N H Konaraddi, representing Navalgund in Dharwad district on Friday, demanded that the state government to withdraw the cases filed against the farmers for protesting against the river water-sharing issues.

During a session on 'Karnataka Neeravari', held as part of the 83rd Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, at the Centenary Hall in Maharaja's College here, the MLA said that the Cauvery and Krishna River basins are like two eyes of Karnataka and the people agitate for Kalasa-Banduri, Mahadayi River and Cauvery River water-sharing issues for the welfare of the state. So, the government should withdraw the cases filed against the farmers, he demanded.

Speaking about River Cauvery water-sharing issue, the MLA said, the Supreme Court will give judgement by the end of February 2018.

He called upon the farmers to adopt modern technology in farming to minimise the use of water.

Retired professor Narasimhappa, who spoke about Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project, said the project is designed to quench the thirst of the people. It is unique in several ways and also significant, he added.

Melkote MLA K S Puttannaiah, in his presidential address, said, the farmers should cultivate suitable crops as per the quality of the soil.