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Friday, March 29 2024
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Hubballi

Bandh in Navalgund over Mahadayi issue, over 20 farmers detained

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Hubballi: After a gap of some months, the Navalgund region in Dharwad district witnessed a bandh on Monday demanding early implementation of the Mahadayi water project.

Farmers in Navalgund town observed bandh condemning the recommendation made by the police officials to banish few farmers in connection with their alleged involvement in violence in the town last year during struggle for Mahadayi water dispute.

Life had come to a standstill; business establishments in the taluk had voluntarily downed the shutters demanding early implementation of Kalasa Banduri project. The bandh passed off peacefully as the police officials had beefed up security following violence last year that had led to immense loss to the government properties over the issue. The seers to have emphasised the need for resolving the issue as the region will face acute drinking water problem during summer due to failure of monsoon for two consecutive years.

Vehicular movement on Hubballi-Vijayapur National Highway was badly affected, as the farmers had blocked the roads throughout the day. Thousands of farmers staged procession raising slogans against State and Central government for their lethargic attitude in resolving the water dispute. Women stepped out of their houses to support the struggle by actively participating in the protest.

Politicos blamed

Expressing displeasure against elected representatives for not exhibiting political will to find a solution to the water dispute, Dr Siddalinga Swamiji of Gadag Tontadarya Matt, who led the agitation, said that the blame game between all political parties had jeopardised the lives of farmers in the region.

Ready for ‘Jail Bharo’

“BJP is not intervening to resolve Mahadayi water dispute keeping eye on Assembly elections in Goa. Prime Minister should intervene in the matter and rescue the drought-ridden farmers without politicising the issue. The rural areas will not witness growth if politicians failed to resolve irrigation projects and concentrated only on development of urban areas. Farmers will observe Jail Bharo Andholan if police officials initiate action against farmers”, Dr. Siddalinga Swamiji said.

The movement has entered 534th day on Monday demanding 7.56 tmc of water from Mahadayi River. Meanwhile, more than 20 farmers were detained by the police in Hubballi when they were heading towards Navalgund to take part in the agitation.

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