Farmers protest Hemavati Link canal, DKS terms it politically motivated
Bengaluru, May 31 (UNI) Farmers in Karnataka's Tumakuru district launched a fierce protest on Saturday against the Hemavati Link Canal project, voicing concerns over water diversion from their area, its environmental impact and lack of consultation.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the agitation as politically motivated and assured that the project would continue.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "This is just a political protest. There's nothing in it that can't be resolved. I've already held discussions with the concerned parties. We have a technical report in hand, and nearly 40 per cent of the work is already completed. There is no question of stopping the project."
The protest turned tense as demonstrators set tyres ablaze and blocked the national highway between Bengaluru and Shivamogga, disrupting traffic and prompting police intervention.
The protesters, including local farmers, members of the BJP and JD(S), and farmer organisations, accused the Congress-led government of pushing ahead with the project without addressing legitimate concerns of the local agrarian community.
Farmers fear that diverting water from the Hemavathi River to benefit Magadi and Ramanagara districts will significantly reduce water availability for Tumakuru, thereby threatening irrigation and agricultural productivity in the region.
"There was no proper consultation with us. This project is being imposed on us without considering its adverse effects on our livelihoods," said one of the protesting farmers.
Apart from water concerns, activists and opposition leaders have called the project "unscientific," raising questions about its technical feasibility and possible environmental repercussions.
Leaders from the BJP and JD(S) have joined the protests, accusing the government of bypassing democratic procedures and ignoring ground realities.
Shivakumar further insisted that the canal is intended to benefit farmers across multiple regions and would not be halted under political pressure. "The BJP is known for creating problems. This is no different," he added.
The protests caused significant disruptions on the highway, leading to traffic snarls and a police crackdown.
Several demonstrators were detained as the authorities moved to restore order. Meanwhile, the state government has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with farmers to address their concerns.
As the situation remains tense, officials are monitoring developments closely to prevent further escalation.
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