NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Karnataka government, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is committed to completing the Hemavathi Express Link Canal project despite ongoing protests. Farmers and local BJP leaders, including MLA Suresh Gowda, are vocally opposing the project due to fears of water diversion from Tumakuru to Ramanagara. Shivakumar emphasizes that 40% of the work is already done and assures that all farmers' interests will be protected. The conflict has intensified, leading to large protests and some detentions, with Gowda calling for an all-party meeting to address community concerns.

Key Points: Karnataka Vows Continuation of Hemavathi Canal Despite Protests

  • Karnataka continues Hemavathi Canal despite farmer and BJP protests
  • D.K. Shivakumar asserts 40% project completion
  • BJP's Suresh Gowda leads the opposition
  • Farmers claim water diversion threatens Tumakuru district
3 min read

'40 pc already completed': Won't stop Hemavathi Express link canal work, says Karnataka govt

Karnataka persists with Hemavathi Canal project, led by D.K. Shivakumar, amid farmer and BJP protests.

"Those protesting and those supporting — all are our farmers. We will safeguard the interests of everyone. - D.K. Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, May 31

Despite the protest by farmers and the BJP opposing the Hemavathi Express Link Canal Project, which forced the authorities to halt the work temporarily, the Karnataka government said that the project will not stop, as 40 per cent work has already been completed.

Farmers in the region are opposing the Link Canal Project, which they say is aimed at diverting water from the Hemavathi River to Ramanagara. The Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Water Resources Minister, is spearheading the project.

The BJP and the farmers have given the government a one-month deadline to halt the project. Local BJP MLA Suresh Gowda has warned that the water will have to flow over his dead body.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that there is no question of stopping the Hemavathi Express Link Canal project as 40 per cent of the work has already been completed.

Answering the massive protest against the Hemavathi Link Canal project, Shivakumar said, "Those protesting and those supporting — all are our farmers. We will safeguard the interests of everyone."

Responding to a question about BJP MLA Suresh Gowda's protest, he stated, "MLAs Krishnappa and Suresh Gowda are well aware of this project. They have previously spoken in support of it. Even then, if they are protesting now, I won't say it's wrong. All legislators are mentally aware of the project’s details."

Thousands of farmers and BJP leaders in Karnataka staged a massive protest on Saturday, opposing the commencement of work on the controversial Hemavathi River Link Canal Project near Gubbi town in Tumakuru district, despite strong opposition from local farmers.

Police detained more than 100 protestors, including Tumakuru Rural BJP MLA Suresh Gowda, Tumakuru City BJP MLA Jyothi Ganesh, BJP District President Ravishankar, and farmer leader Chandrashekar.

As religious seers, their followers, thousands of farmers, activists, and BJP workers, joined the protest against the state government's decision to proceed with the project, the situation turned volatile. Consequently, the district administration temporarily halted the work.

Heavy security has been deployed in Gubbi, Nittur, and the surrounding areas.

Protestors argue that the government is attempting to divert Tumakuru district's share of water to the Ramanagara region. They said that they will not allow their rightful share of water to be taken away.

Meanwhile, Tumakuru Rural BJP MLA Suresh Gowda has called for an all-party meeting.

"The people of our district are concerned that their share of water is being diverted to Ramanagara. Congress legislators from the region are unable to oppose this and are asking us to take up the protest," MLA Gowda said.

"This is a death warrant for the district. Thousands of people have come voluntarily to stop the project," he added.

He described the project as unscientific and said they had been protesting for two years, raising their voice in the Assembly and staging protest marches.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Water disputes between districts are becoming too common in Karnataka. The government should have done proper consultations before starting work. 40% completion is no excuse if the project is genuinely harmful to farmers' livelihoods. 🚜
P
Priya M.
Why do politicians change their stance when in opposition? BJP MLAs supported this project earlier, now opposing it. This flip-flop shows they care more about votes than farmers' welfare. Government should provide transparent data on water distribution.
S
Sanjay V.
As someone from Bengaluru, we need more water projects to sustain the city's growth. But not at the cost of farmers! Government must find a balanced solution - maybe implement rainwater harvesting in cities first?
A
Ananya R.
Emotional statements like "water will flow over my dead body" don't help anyone. Both sides need to sit down with technical experts and find a scientific solution. Water is a state resource, not just for one district! 💧
V
Vikram S.
This is what happens when projects are planned without proper EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments). Now after spending crores, they're stuck between protests and sunk costs. Classic case of poor governance!
M
Meena T.
Instead of making this political, can't we think of water as Karnataka's shared resource? Maybe the project can be modified to ensure both regions benefit. Farmers' concerns are valid but so is development work. 🤝

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50