Farmers have decided to lay siege to Tungabhadra reservoir on November 16 against the decision to suspend release of water to canals from November 15. They are expected to block the highway, also.
Farmers, led by Tungabhara Raitha Sangha president Darur Purushotam Gouda, submit a memorandum to Karnataka Niravari Nigama Tungabhadra Project Circle Superintending Engineer S B Malligewad, in Munirabad on November 12.
Hosapete: Farmers here have taken a strong objection to the halting of water from Tungabhadra reservoir to canals from November 15 and demanded that authorities abide by the decision taken by the Irrigation Consultative Committee.
Farmers, led by Tungabhara Raitha Sangha president Darur Purushotam Gouda, submitted a memorandum in this regard to S B Malligewad, Karnataka Niravari Nigama Tungabhadra Project Circle Superintending Engineer at Munirabad in Koppal district.
“Malligewad, through a letter, has issued directions to officials concerned to halt water release to canals. The order by him states that water to the Left Bank Canal and Right Bank Canals of the reservoir will be suspended from November 15. This has left farmers who have grown paddy in 12.60 lakh acres in the command area worried about their crop. Shouldn’t the officer show respect for the ICC decision?” he asked.
It may be recalled here that the Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC) meeting of Tungabhadra reservoir was held in Bengaluru on October 19, where Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi chaired the meeting.
The meeting had decided to release water to all the canals till November 20, he said. Even on November 4, people’s representatives of four districts had called on Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and requested him to release water to canals up to November 30, Gouda informed.
‘Respect ICC’s decision’
“Isn’t the decision taken at the ICC meeting of any value? What about farmers in the command area who have invested Rs. 12.60 lakh crore for their crops are supposed to do now,” he questioned.
Besides, a total of 2 TMC feet of water has been allocated for Pavagada’s drinking water needs; 1.7 TMC feet for the Jindal industry, 3 TMC feet for the MLI project and 4 TMC feet for the KC Canal.
Even after utilising the allocated water, it is possible to release water to all canals in the reservoir command area until November 30. After meeting these requirements, sufficient water would remain in the reservoir for drinking water needs and for the Raya, Basava and Vijayanagara canals, he claimed.
However, farmers are worried about the order issued by the Superintending Engineer, who has failed to consider the available water statistics, he alleged. “Even though there is a water shortage, the officials need to think scientifically. We are planning to lay siege to Tungabhadra dam on November 16, and we will block the highway. The officers need to reconsider their decision within three days,” warned Purushotham Gouda.
Farmers to lay siege to dam
Farmers have decided to lay siege to Tungabhadra reservoir on November 16 against the decision to suspend release of water to canals from November 15. They are expected to block the highway, also.
After submitting a memorandum to Superintending Engineer of the Tungabhara Project Circle Raitha Sangha president Darur Purushotam Gouda observed that officials must release water up to November 30 to save paddy crop.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/7r3upafr
