BELAGAVI
The delayed policy of the central and state governments in implementing the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project has irked farmers across the North Karnataka region.
Voicing their anger against the unwarranted delay in implementing the project, a team of farming leaders and activists from North Karnataka on Friday visited the Kalsa water diversion site near Kankumbi to understand technical and legal aspects which have stalled work on the project.
“The Karnataka government needs to resolve the legal obstacle which has stalled the implementation of the project and divert the water to Malaprabha River,” Vijaykumar, a farmer leader told media persons.
Members of the Kalsa-Bhandura Sangharsh Samiti and other organisations also raised their voices over the delay in implementing the project.
As the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal has awarded Karnataka its share of water from the Mhadei basin, The Karnataka government needs to intensify its legal battle in reopening of retainer wall which was raised to block the diverted water of the Kalsa rivulet,” a senior farmer leader said.
The farming leaders warned Karnataka authorities not to test the patience of farmers in the region.
Shouting slogans for the implementation of the project, the leaders also vowed that a delegation of farmers from the four districts in North Karnataka would meet Prime Minister Modi and voice their woes.
Security was beefed up at the location and Khanapur police maintained a close vigil at the site.vigil at the site.
