‘Our Water Our Right' campaign: Greens, forums to hold protest

Time of India

28-05-2025

Belagavi: Environmentalists and leaders of various organisations, who are fighting for the survival of Mahadayi and the Western Ghats under the slogan 'Our Water Our Right' campaign, decided to take up a massive protest in Belagavi on June 3 to raise awareness.
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The leaders, who held a meeting at the Maratha Mandir in Belagavi on Tuesday, reached a unanimous decision in this regard.
Dilip Kamath, an environmentalist, said that the Gadgil Report and Kasturirangan Report were submitted to the central govt in the past. The Gadgil Report, which meticulously analysed the extinction and survival of the Western Ghats, warned that no activities that could harm the environment should be carried out in the vicinity of the Western Ghats region.
The report also highlighted the biodiversity of the Western Ghats region and the immense benefits it brings to the country, providing a detailed report on the protection of the Western Ghats.
Everyone needs to join hands for the survival of the Western Ghats by abandoning the Kalasa Banduri project.
Sujit Mulgund, a social activist, said that water is already being supplied to Hubballi-Dharwad through Malaprabha reservoir.
Farmers in Bagalkot and Ramdurg taluks are using water from the Malaprabha reservoir to grow two crops, while farmers in Navalgund, Nargund, and Dharwad are using this water for more than two crops. The amount of water used from the Malaprabha reservoir has increased, with claims that this project is for drinking water.
Representatives and officials of the area informed that the areas of Hubballi, Dharwad, Navalgund, and Nargund will not face any shortage of drinking water till 2041.
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They expressed concern that work is now underway to transport more water to the twin cities through a pipeline, which could lead to a shortage of drinking water in the Belagavi area. The Mahadayi diversion project will be abandoned as it will harm the Western Ghats.
Captain Nitin Dhond, an environmentalist, stated that the Mahadayi River travels approximately 1,500 kilometres from its source to the sea. The Malaprabha River plays a significant role in environmental protection by providing habitat for numerous plants and trees.
It is a good move to supply drinking water to Hubballi and Dharwad from the Malaprabha reservoir. Belgaum may face drinking water problems in the future as more water is lifted from the Malaprabha River to supply water to industrial areas of Hubballi, Dharwad, and sugar factories of politicians.
Therefore, it is not appropriate to implement any projects here which will harm the Malaprabha River and the Western Ghats.
Advocate Nitin Bolbandi, farmer leader Chunappa Poojeri, Sidagouda Modagi, Mallesh Chougale, environmentalists, farmer leaders, and Dalit leaders were present.