Mysuru Farmers Secure Water Release from Kabini Reservoir After Large-Scale Protest
In a significant development for the agricultural community in Mysuru, water resources officials provided a crucial assurance on Tuesday. They confirmed that water will be released from the Kabini reservoir into the local canals, commencing from February 15 onwards. This decision came directly in response to a vigorous protest staged by farmers in the region, who have been grappling with severe water scarcity issues.
Farmers' Agitation and March to Authority Office
The protest was spearheaded by Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, the state president of the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers' Association. The agitation initiated at Kuvempu Park, where farmers gathered in substantial numbers before embarking on a march to the Cauvery Command Area Development Authority office. During this demonstration, participants voiced their frustrations loudly, raising slogans against elected representatives, including District In-Charge Minister H C Mahadevappa and Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar.
The farmers accused these officials of negligence and a blatant indifference towards the pressing needs of the farming community. In his address to the assembled crowd, Bhagyaraj leveled serious allegations against the government and district administration. He claimed they had failed miserably in ensuring a reliable water supply to critical canals such as the Kabini, Hullalli, and Rampura canals. This failure, he asserted, has left thousands of acres of standing crops in a state of severe distress, threatening the livelihoods of numerous farmers.
Criticism and Comparative Neglect
Bhagyaraj did not mince words in his criticism, particularly targeting the district in-charge minister. He highlighted a stark contrast in urgency, pointing out that leaders in the neighbouring Mandya district had successfully secured water releases for their farmers. This comparison underscored the perceived neglect faced by Mysuru's agricultural sector, amplifying the protesters' demands for immediate action.
The farmers detailed the dire situation on the ground, explaining that key crops like coconut, banana, and sugarcane are wilting rapidly. This deterioration is primarily due to depleting groundwater levels and an erratic power supply, which hampers irrigation efforts. The combination of these factors has significantly worsened the financial burden on farmers, pushing many towards economic instability.
Key Demands and Proposed Solutions
During the protest, the farmers presented a clear set of demands to address the ongoing crisis:
- Immediate repair of water-lifting machinery to ensure efficient irrigation.
- Filling of all lakes in the area to recharge groundwater levels, providing a sustainable water source.
- Budgetary allocation for new lake-filling projects to enhance water storage capacity for future needs.
Additionally, the protesters called for the formation of a joint inspection team. This team would comprise both officials and farmers, tasked with monitoring the quality of ongoing canal works. The aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in infrastructure development, preventing future failures in water management.
The assurance from water resources officials to release water from the Kabini reservoir marks a pivotal step towards alleviating the irrigation woes in Mysuru. However, the farmers remain vigilant, emphasizing that sustained efforts and timely implementation are essential to secure their crops and livelihoods in the long term.
