Karnataka - Bijapur   

Farmers' fast enters third day

Staff Correspondent

Plea to execute irrigation scheme according to original plan

BIJAPUR: The fast launched by members of Indi Etha Neeravari Horata Samiti at Thamba village in Indi taluk entered its third day on Sunday. The samiti had been agitating for over two weeks in support of its demand that the Indi Lift Irrigation Scheme be executed according to the original plan.

The original plan, according to them, envisaged commissioning of main canal of the project up to 147 km.

However, it was curtailed to 97 km, depriving 25 villages of irrigation.

The samiti alleged five tmcft of water, which was saved by shortening the main canal system, was allotted to Mallaburi Lift Irrigation Scheme benefiting Jewargi taluk in Gulbarga district.

On Sunday, Ashok Patil and S.G. Loni, president and vice-president of Revenasiddeshwar Urban Cooperative Bank, Indi, respectively and eight others observed fast.

Former Minister M.C. Managuli had to face the protesters' ire when he said that if the agitators desired, he could lead a delegation to meet Janata Dal (Secular) president and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to find a solution to the issue.

The agitators rejected his offer.

Many accused him of neglecting the project when he was in power.

President of the samiti Mallaiah Sarangamath asked why the former Minister was quiet when the Government curtailed the length of the canal. If he concerned about the project, he should ensure that either Mr. Gowda or Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy visited the agitators with a formal order sanctioning the work beyond 97 km.

Members of Kannada Sahitya Parishat and Yuva Barahagarara Vedike met the agitators. The farmers resolved not to end their agitation till the Government conceded their demand. They have planned to launch indefinite fast from June 21.

Meanwhile, farmers have launched dharna at nearby Hirerugi village in support of the agitation.

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Farmers' fast enters third day

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