Farmers Protest Against Water Release in Karnataka Amid Drought Concerns
Protests Erupt Over Water Management Decisions
In response to the directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority to release water for Tamil Nadu, farmers and Kannada organizations staged a protest near the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir on Friday. The demonstration was heavily policed, with approximately 1,500 officers deployed to maintain order.
The authority upheld the recommendation from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to release 3,500 cubic feet of water daily to Tamil Nadu for a period of 15 days. This decision was made despite Karnataka's argument that the region has experienced insufficient rainfall during the monsoon, leading to severe drought conditions.
Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has called for an all-party meeting on August 2 to address the situation. Protesters, including members of the Kannada Rakshana Vedike, gathered at the reservoir site.
Some female demonstrators symbolically consumed grass to express their dissent against the orders from the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee. Others were seen rolling on the road in protest. They carried posters depicting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay with a 'cross' marked over his image.
Law enforcement intervened to disperse the crowd, taking several individuals into custody as a precaution. One protester stated, "The authority has issued a death warrant for our farmers, which must not be accepted under any circumstances." They accused the government of repeatedly committing injustices against Karnataka.
The protester urged Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to adopt a firm stance, asserting, "The entire Kannada community stands with you. You have called for an all-party meeting, and leaders from all parties will support you beyond caste and religion." They implored the Chief Minister to refrain from releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, the protester appealed to Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Vijay to understand the ground realities before requesting water from Karnataka. They emphasized the need for a stronger legal battle, stating, "This must cease. The case should be presented appropriately before the Supreme Court."
Shobha Rani V. J., the Superintendent of Police in Mandya, indicated that extensive security measures were implemented throughout the district in anticipation of protests. She noted, "Ten companies of the Karnataka State Reserve Police and eight units of the District Armed Reserve have been deployed, totaling around 1,500 police personnel."
The Superintendent also mentioned that officers from other districts were called in, barricades were set up at sensitive locations, and public access to the Vrindavan Garden was restricted. There is a possibility that Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and his Tamil Nadu counterpart Vijay will meet on August 3.
However, it remains uncertain whether Vijay will travel to Karnataka for the meeting or if it will be conducted digitally. Shivakumar has also suggested that Vijay visit the Cauvery region to witness the ground situation firsthand. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu farmers opposing Vijay's visit to Karnataka have stated that if he goes, he should bring Shivakumar along to tour the affected rice-growing areas in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta.