Farmers Complete 70 km March Demanding Water from Maharashtra
Thousands of farmers march from Allagi to Kalaburagi, seeking Karnataka's rightful water share from Maharashtra's Ujani reservoir.
Farmers marched 70 km to demand 15 tmc of water from Maharashtra.
Protests highlight severe water scarcity in Karnataka due to drought.
Farmers accuse Maharashtra of exceeding its water allocation.
In a significant demonstration, thousands of farmers embarked on a 70-kilometer padayatra from Allagi (B) village in Afzalpur taluk to Kalaburagi, demanding the release of Karnataka's allocated share of 15 tmc of water from Maharashtra's Ujani reservoir. The march commenced on October 14 and concluded on Friday, with participants expressing their grievances through slogans and green shawls, criticizing both the state government and local representatives for their inaction regarding water release negotiations.
The farmers' protest is rooted in the ongoing water crisis exacerbated by drought conditions in the region. They argue that the release of water into the Bhima River is crucial for addressing acute drinking water shortages. The demonstrators emphasized that under the Bachawat Tribunal Award, Karnataka is entitled to this water, which is essential not only for drinking but also for irrigation as crops face the risk of withering away.
During the march, the protesters highlighted that Maharashtra has been utilizing 140 tmc ft of water beyond its allocation, which they claim has deprived Karnataka of its rightful share. They expressed frustration that their plight has not garnered the same attention as the Cauvery water dispute, despite the Bhima River facing severe depletion each year. The farmers called for immediate government action to engage with Maharashtra to secure the necessary water release.
The implications of this protest extend beyond immediate water needs, as the farmers pointed out the deteriorating state of lift irrigation canals from the Bhima reservoir, which they believe hinders effective water distribution. They urged for repairs and improvements to ensure that the benefits of irrigation projects reach the farming community. Additionally, they argued that direct water release from the Ujani dam to the Bhima River would reduce evaporation losses and enhance agricultural productivity.
The padayatra was led by notable figures including Malendra Shivacharya and Shantalinga Shivacharya, among others. The agitation committee included various leaders from the farming community, who collectively voiced their demands for a more proactive approach from the government to address the ongoing water crisis and ensure the rights of Karnataka's farmers are upheld.
