Farmers in North Karnataka protest over Mahadayi water dispute

Bengaluru: Farmer groups of north Karnataka have called for a bandh today demanding PM Modi’s intervention to resolve the Mahadayi water project.

The bandh is likely to have an impact in Gadag, Dharwad, Bagalkote, Hubballi, Bailahongala and neighbouring areas. 

The Kalasa-Banduri project would involve diverting water from the Mahadayi River to its two tributaries, Kalasa and Banduri and in some of the northern parts of Karnataka.

Farmers from Bengaluru have been protesting outside the BJP office from the past five days requesting help from BJP State President BS Yeddyurappa.

BS Yeddyurappa had earlier promised to solve the Mahadayi issue by the end of 2017.

The protesters in Bengaluru are receiving support from pro-Kannada groups and filmstars in their protest.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had responded to Mr Yeddyurappa’s letter on the Mahadayi water-sharing issue rather than to the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Parrikar in his letter to Yeddyurappa on December 21, after mediation from BJP national President Amit Shah, had said in principle, Goa would not oppose the “reasonable” and “justified” quantum of water meant to be utilised for drinking purpose. 

Parrikar had also pointed out that the matter was pending before the Mahadayi tribunal. 

Not convinced by the said release of water, the protesters accused Yeddyurappa of not keeping up his promise, and called him “betrayer”.