A massive protest broke out in Tumakuru on Saturday as farmers and political leaders rallied against the state government’s proposed Hemavathi Express Link Canal Project, which aims to divert water to Magadi and Ramanagara.
Hundreds of demonstrators, including members of the BJP and farmer organisations, gathered near Gubbi, blocking roads and setting tires ablaze to express their opposition. The protest briefly brought traffic to a standstill, and several participants were detained by police as tensions flared.
Prominent political figures, including MLAs B. Suresh Gowda and G. B. Jyothi Ganesh, lent their support to the protest, joining hands with local religious leaders from various Maths.
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DCM Assures Hemavati Link Canal Will Help Farmers
On protest against the project, Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar told ANI, "That is all a political protest. Nothing is there within the water. We have sorted it out. I have discussed with them. We have a technical report. Everything is over. Already, 40% of the work is over. There is no question of stopping any work. We will continue with it. It will help every farmer in the area..." Accusing the BJP leaders, Shivakumar said that they were reportedly known for creating problems.
Meanwhile, Tumakuru district is predominantly an agricultural region where over half the population relies on the Hemavathi River for drinking water and irrigation. Due to this heavy dependence, farmers fear that any alterations or diversions in the river’s water supply can have a profound effect on local farming practices and overall water accessibility. Tumakuru is also situated about 80 km from the state's capital city, Bengaluru.