Protests in Mandya after CWMA's direction to release water to TN

Mandya: Following the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) direction to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu protests erupted in Mandya district.

As per the sources, the activists of the Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene gave vent to their ire by blocking the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. Protests were held at Pandavapura and Srirangapatna also.

Speaking on the issue the protesters said ” We have been demanding the government to release water for drinking purposes and for our livestock. But, the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam is not moved by our plight. Now, the Cauvery Water Management Authority has directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. If water is released, we will hold a severe protest.”

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Cauvery Horata Samiti president G Madegowda warned that the people of the district would hit the streets if water was released to Tamil Nadu.

Madegowda also said that there was no water for drinking purposes in Mandya and other districts.

He further added that the crops were withering as the officials stopped releasing water into canals. Under this situation, if water is released to Tamil Nadu, people will rise in revolt.