Agitated Farmers Block Mysuru-Bengaluru Road in Mandya after Authorities Raise Outflow from KRS

Mandya: Farmers in Karnataka have begun protests on Friday after officials raised the outflow of water from Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir from 1000 cusec to 2300 cusec per day for unknown reason. The water being released to neighbouring Tamil Nadu would adversely impact the farmers creating severe water shortage in the region, sources said. 

The farmers started their protest against the officials after they raised the water outflow even if water level in the dam is yet to rise amid poor rainfall activities in Mandya, Mysuru region. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists reportedly protested against the move of the authorities at Srirangapatna. Meanwhile, farmers in Mandya  have started their protest and blocked Mysuru-Bengaluru Road stalling the vehicular movement.

Agitating farmers said, “the government has raised the outflow of the dam and this will result in severe water shortage in the region amid weak monsoon rains. The dam is yet to fill with sufficient quantity of water. The state government must interfere and stop releasing water to Tamil Nadu from KRS.” State Police department has made elaborate security arrangements in the wake of farmers’ protests.