BELAGAVI
The protesters tried to disrupt water supply to Hubballi-Dharwad by stopping the functioning of the jack well. The farmers have also blamed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for allegedly creating hurdles in the process of resolving the issue. The citizens of the twin cities were not supporting the agitation of several farmers who had gathered near the plant on Wednesday afternoon when they tried to lock the jack well. However, additional police force deployed at the plant prevented them from entering the plant premises. SP Dharmendra Kumar Meena told media persons that when the police did not allow anyone to enter the plant, the farmers requested the officials to stop the jack well symbolically. Accordingly, the officials stopped the operation of the jack well in the presence of a few farmer s leaders, who were allowed to enter the plant. The jack well began operating after nearly two hours. The police security at the water treatment plant would continue for few more days, he said. Addressing the gathering, the farmer s leaders alleged that no serious efforts were being made to resolve the water dispute with Goa, even as this part of the state was reeling under drought. They also lashed out at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for allegedly creating hurdles in resolving the issue.
