Cauvery row: Farmers in Mysuru threaten to step up protests, urge government not to release water
State Sugarcane Growers’ Association President Kurubur Shanthkumar on Thursday reiterated his demand that the Karnataka government should not release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as
State Sugarcane Growers’ Association President Kurubur Shanthkumar on Thursday reiterated his demand that the Karnataka government should not release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as directed by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, warning that farmers would intensify their agitation if the State complies with the order. In a statement, Mr. Shanthkumar urged the government to reject the committee’s directive and safeguard the interests of Karnataka and its farmers. He said the State should categorically announce that it would not release water, considering the distress faced by farmers due to the failure of the monsoon and the emerging drinking water crisis.
He also appealed to the Karnataka government to file a review petition challenging the order, arguing that crop failure, depleting reservoir levels and water scarcity justified withholding water. He claimed that authorities in Bengaluru had already begun advising residents to use water judiciously due to poor storage levels in reservoirs following deficient rainfall. Warning of a stronger agitation, Mr. Shanthkumar said farmers would launch Statewide protests if the interests of those dependent on the Cauvery basin were compromised. Empty-pot demonstration Meanwhile, protests continued in Mysuru, with members of a pro-Kannada organisation staging an empty-pot demonstration against the directions to release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
The protesters urged the Congress government in the State not to release water under any circumstances, contending that the State must prioritise the needs of its people. They also demanded the early implementation of the Mekedatu project to ensure long-term water security. The protest was staged by the association of Mysuru district pro-Kannada activists led by Shivashankar. Farmers in Mysuru and Mandya are staging protests since Wednesday following the order to release water. Members of various farmers’ outfits staged protests, road blocks and ‘urulu seve’ to express their opposition and demand that the government must protect the State’s interests.
Protests were staged at multiple locations in Mysuru and Mandya districts since Wednesday with a demand for filing a review petition against the order. The protest had blocked the Mysuru-Ooty Highway for sometime last evening, with many vehicles stranded on the highway.
The BriefWire