KOPPAL: Tensions have escalated in Koppal district as opposition leaders and farmers launched a massive protest march from the revered Anjanadri Hill to the Command Area Development Authority (CADA) office in Munirabad, demanding the immediate release of water into the Vijayanagara 11A canal.
Serious Allegations Against the State Government
Legislative Council Chief Whip N. Ravi Kumar launched a scathing attack on the state administration, accusing it of playing with the livelihoods of farmers. Despite the local reservoir holding over 34 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water, the government has deliberately withheld supplies, leaving agricultural lands parched.
Supplying water to the Vijayanagara 11A canal is not just a demand; it is the legitimate and historical right of our farmers. Withholding water when reservoirs have adequate storage is a gross injustice to the farming community, stated N. Ravi Kumar, Legislative Council Chief Whip.
Farmers Facing Dire Straits
With agricultural seasons severely disrupted, crops are withering away before the eyes of distraught farmers. Protesters warned that the administration’s apathy is pushing the state’s backbone into acute financial distress and an uncertain future.
High-Profile Leaders Join the Historic March
The massive foot march saw an overwhelming turnout, drawing thousands of farmers, youth, and local citizens. Prominent political figures who spearheaded the agitation and condemned the government’s stance include:
Doddanagouda Patil, MLA, Kushtagi
Gali Janardhana Reddy, MLA, Gangavathi
Hemalatha Nayak, MLC
Naveen Kumar Gulagannavar, District President
Dr. Basavaraja Kyavatar, Former Lok Sabha Candidate
Paranna Munavalli, Former MLA
- Halappa Achar, Former Minister
Basavaraj Dadesugoor, Former MLA
Shivaramegowdru, Former Member of Parliament
The agitating leaders and farmers have vowed to intensify their stir unless the state government immediately orders the release of water into the 11A canal to save their standing crops.
