Hosapete Farmers Demand Tungabhadra Desilting And Navali Reservoir Construction

Farmers in Hosapete have urged the Chief Ministers of three states, including D K Shivakumar, and the Union Jal Shakti Minister to desilt the Tungabhadra reservoir and construct the Navali balancing reservoir.

While the political leaders made positive statements during a recent gathering, they did not provide a concrete timeline or action plan for the projects, leaving the local farming community divided in their expectations.

The issue of silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra reservoir, which limits its water storage capacity, was raised directly by the farming community in front of the state and union leaders. This marks the first time that farmers have formally presented these suggestions directly to the high-level delegation.

Darur Purushothamgouda, the president of the Tungabhadra Raitha Sangha, who has been leading the movement against silt accumulation, expressed optimism despite the lack of a set schedule. He stated that the presentation of these issues has raised expectations that the governments will eventually address them.

Purushothamgouda praised D K Shivakumar, stating that the leader demonstrated a clear vision for the desilting and balancing reservoir projects. He thanked Shivakumar for appraising the Chief Ministers of the other two states on these critical issues, though he emphasized that these visions must now be put into action.

However, other sections of the farming community expressed skepticism regarding the leaders' promises. Sannakki Rudrappa, a leader from the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene district unit, criticized the gathering as a mere government event designed to wipe farmers' tears.

Rudrappa pointed out the lack of a definitive action plan for either the silt removal or the construction of the Navali balancing reservoir. He also demanded that the government provide a compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre to local farmers due to the lack of rain in the region, noting that the reservoir gates have already been repaired.