The Karnataka State Farmers’ Association has announced a protest near the Tungabhadra reservoir on September 8, alleging government inaction on long-pending dam-related concerns.
Association state honorary president Chamaras Malipatil said the agitation will be led by farmers from four riparian districts, Vijayanagara, Ballari, Raichur, and Koppal, who have been suffering due to neglect of the 70-year-old dam. He warned that unless the government responds, farmers will proceed with the planned demonstration.
Malipatil highlighted the dam’s deteriorating condition and poor water management, noting that a Union government-appointed expert panel had recommended replacing all 33 crest gates. However, he claimed the state has shown little interest. The replacement work, expected to take at least eight months, would deprive farmers of irrigation water, affecting 15 lakh acres and resulting in heavy crop losses, he cautioned.
He further pointed to silt accumulation, stating that nearly 33% of the storage capacity is clogged, diverting water to neighbouring states. Illegal irrigation practices on more than two lakh acres have gone unchecked, he alleged.
Farmers will also push for relief for rain-hit crop losses, measures to ease fertiliser shortages, a stop to the drive against “illegal” pumpsets, and legalisation of existing pumpsets, Malipatil added.