Farmers demand water from Bhadra reservoir for plantations

The crest gates of Bhadra reservoir at Lakkavalli in Tarikere taluk

The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and the Green Brigade have urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to release water from the Bhadra reservoir to help growers protect their plantation crops.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on Saturday, Sangha State president H.R. Basavarajappa said the reservoir currently held 55.734 tmcft of water. Of this, 33 tmcft could be used for irrigation, after setting aside the dead storage and 7 tmcft for drinking purposes.

“The available water can be released through the Left Bank, Right Bank and Gondi canals to benefit the command area. Farmers are struggling to save their crops in the drought, and the immediate release of water will help them,” he said. He added that the government should also supply water for 100 days in the coming summer to protect the crops.

Mr. Basavarajappa said farmers had given up paddy cultivation after the State government stated that it could not provide water for the kharif season owing to the drought. “The government should now come to their rescue,” he said. He warned of a massive agitation if the demand was not met.