Farmer Stage Protest Against U scientific Water Rationing NRBC
Farmers Stage Protest Against Unscientific Water Rationing in NRBC
Devadurga: Jalahalli, , September 30: A large protest and sit-in was held at Ambedkar Circle in Jalahalli on Wednesday under the leadership of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) and Water Users’ Associations, opposing the unscientific water rationing system currently being followed in the NRBC (Narayanapura Right Bank Canal) irrigation system and demanding adequate power supply to farmers’ pump sets.
The farmers demanded that the existing system of supplying water for 14 days followed by a 10-day closure should be changed to a more scientific system of providing water for 14 days followed by a 7-day closure.
They also demanded that necessary measures be taken to ensure adequate water reaches agricultural lands located at the tail-end of the NRBC canals. They urged the authorities to permanently resolve the problems faced by tail-end farmers in receiving irrigation water.
The protesters further demanded seven hours of continuous and quality power supply during daytime to farmers’ pump sets.
Addressing the protest, KPRS District President Basavantharayagowda alleged that attempts were being made to create caste-based divisions among farmers and weaken their unity. He also alleged that conspiracies were being carried out to prevent farmers from participating in the farmers’ struggle. He called upon farmers to remain alert and unite to fight for their rights.
Farmers Must Question Politicians
«“If the canals in Devadurga taluk are to be improved and water is to reach farmers’ fields properly, farmers must learn to question the politicians representing this region.”»
— Com. Shabbir, State Labour Leader, Jalahalli
Water Rationing System Is Unscientific
«“The very system of water rationing in the NRBC canals is unscientific. This rationing system is the result of a deliberate decision by politicians who have failed to ensure proper water supply to farmers. The rationing system is also part of a conspiracy to sell water to industries.”»
— Com. Narasanna Nayak, KPRS District Secretary, Raichur
The protest was withdrawn after officials from the KBJNL Irrigation Department and GESCOM Department provided a written assurance regarding the demands raised by the farmers.
KPRS District President Basavantharayagowda, District Secretary Narasanna Nayak, KPRS Taluk President Hanumanth Gurikar, Water Users’ Association President Shivraj Yarakamat, State Labour Leader Shabbir Jalahalli, D. Veerendrappa Gowda, Hanumanth Madival, Durugappa Rampali, Sabanna Hugar, Siddappa Gumedar, Lakkappa Chinchodi, Hussainappa Guttedar, Vasu Makaladoddi, Mudeppa Patil, KRV leader Thammanna Herundi, Rangappa Mural, Basavaraj Mandalagudda, Sanjeev Reddy, Veeresh Arakeri, Abdul Rahman Qureshi, Thimanna Bankaladoddi and others participated in the protest.
Hundreds of farmers from various villages, along with leaders of different political parties and office-bearers of various organisations, were also present.
Devadurga: Jalahalli, , September 30: A large protest and sit-in was held at Ambedkar Circle in Jalahalli on Wednesday under the leadership of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) and Water Users’ Associations, opposing the unscientific water rationing system currently being followed in the NRBC (Narayanapura Right Bank Canal) irrigation system and demanding adequate power supply to farmers’ pump sets.
The farmers demanded that the existing system of supplying water for 14 days followed by a 10-day closure should be changed to a more scientific system of providing water for 14 days followed by a 7-day closure.
They also demanded that necessary measures be taken to ensure adequate water reaches agricultural lands located at the tail-end of the NRBC canals. They urged the authorities to permanently resolve the problems faced by tail-end farmers in receiving irrigation water.
The protesters further demanded seven hours of continuous and quality power supply during daytime to farmers’ pump sets.
Addressing the protest, KPRS District President Basavantharayagowda alleged that attempts were being made to create caste-based divisions among farmers and weaken their unity. He also alleged that conspiracies were being carried out to prevent farmers from participating in the farmers’ struggle. He called upon farmers to remain alert and unite to fight for their rights.
Farmers Must Question Politicians
«“If the canals in Devadurga taluk are to be improved and water is to reach farmers’ fields properly, farmers must learn to question the politicians representing this region.”»
— Com. Shabbir, State Labour Leader, Jalahalli
Water Rationing System Is Unscientific
«“The very system of water rationing in the NRBC canals is unscientific. This rationing system is the result of a deliberate decision by politicians who have failed to ensure proper water supply to farmers. The rationing system is also part of a conspiracy to sell water to industries.”»
— Com. Narasanna Nayak, KPRS District Secretary, Raichur
The protest was withdrawn after officials from the KBJNL Irrigation Department and GESCOM Department provided a written assurance regarding the demands raised by the farmers.
KPRS District President Basavantharayagowda, District Secretary Narasanna Nayak, KPRS Taluk President Hanumanth Gurikar, Water Users’ Association President Shivraj Yarakamat, State Labour Leader Shabbir Jalahalli, D. Veerendrappa Gowda, Hanumanth Madival, Durugappa Rampali, Sabanna Hugar, Siddappa Gumedar, Lakkappa Chinchodi, Hussainappa Guttedar, Vasu Makaladoddi, Mudeppa Patil, KRV leader Thammanna Herundi, Rangappa Mural, Basavaraj Mandalagudda, Sanjeev Reddy, Veeresh Arakeri, Abdul Rahman Qureshi, Thimanna Bankaladoddi and others participated in the protest.
Hundreds of farmers from various villages, along with leaders of different political parties and office-bearers of various organisations, were also present.