Opposing the release of water from reservoirs in the Cauvery basin to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Federation of Karnataka State Farmers’ Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar has urged the State government to instead release water to irrigation canals to facilitate sowing of paddy in the State.
Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Mr. Shanthakumar alleged that the State government had begun releasing water to Tamil Nadu from Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoir in Cauvery basin. “The State was releasing water to Tamil Nadu sacrificing the interests of farmers of Karnataka, who are awaiting the release of water to irrigate paddy fields,” he said.
He recalled the padayatra undertaken by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar before the Assembly elections in support of the proposed construction of a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu. “But after coming to power, the interests of Karnataka farmers have been sacrificed in times of crisis,” he alleged.
