Farmers’ rally in Mysuru against Bidadi township, demand drought relief
Hundreds of farmers staged a protest in Mysuru on Friday demanding that the State government scrap the proposed township project near Bidadi in Bengaluru rural
Hundreds of farmers staged a protest in Mysuru on Friday demanding that the State government scrap the proposed township project near Bidadi in Bengaluru rural district, alleging that it would result in the acquisition of nearly 7,500 acres of fertile agricultural land. The protesters also urged the State and Central governments to take immediate measures to mitigate the worsening drought-like conditions affecting large parts of State. The demonstration, organised in front of the Gandhi statue under the leadership of State Sugarcane Growers’ Association President Kurubur Shanthakumar, was held in solidarity with farmers in Bidadi, who have been opposing the proposed land acquisition for more than 470 days.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shanthakumar said the proposed township would displace farming families and damage the productive agricultural belts. He alleged that the government was seeking to acquire fertile farmland to facilitate a project benefiting private investors, and warned that thousands of coconut and arecanut trees would be felled if the proposal went ahead. He criticised the government for failing to respond to the prolonged agitation by landowners who have refused to part with their land despite nearly 470 days of continuous protests. Urging Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to withdraw the proposal, he said the government should respect farmers’ sentiments.
Demand drought declaration The protesters also voiced concern over the deficient rainfall reported across several parts of State, warning that drought-like conditions were pushing the agriculture, horticulture and livestock sectors into severe distress and financially affecting farming communities. Drinking water scarcity was emerging as a serious concern for both people and cattle in many regions. The farmers demanded that the government immediately declare drought-hit areas based on scientific assessment and release relief directly into farmers’ bank accounts without delay. They also sought suspension of agricultural loan recovery, waiver of interest on crop loans, prompt settlement of crop insurance claims, provision of fodder and drinking water for livestock, expansion of employment opportunities under the rural employment guarantee scheme, and emergency drinking water supply through tankers to water-scarce villages.
Shanthakumar also urged the government to appoint nodal secretaries across the State to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation and ensure that relief measures reached affected farmers without delay. More than 250 farmers participated in the protest, including Attahalli Devaraj, Baradanapura Nagaraj, Kiragasuru Shankar, and others.
The BriefWire