BJP-JD(S) leaders hold protest in Tumkur against Rs 984 crore canal construction project

Political leaders in the Tumkur district of Karnataka are up in arms against the Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) of Karnataka DK Shivakumar over plans of sharing water from the Hemavathi river. DK Shivakumar had plans to construct an express canal to ensure that the water also reaches the Magadi district. Rs 984 crore was allocated for the project. This has however resulted in objections with protestors demanding that the project be stalled within a period of 1 month. The ‘Srinranga Etha Yojane’ planned in Magadi received a nod from DK Shivakumar for the flow of water from Kunigal through an express canal. 

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This has also resulted in outrage among farmers apart from politicians.The Hemavathi river that originates in Hassan is a lifeline for many across Tumkur. The approval was given despite disapproval at the local level. 

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) have raised slogans of ‘My water, my right.’ The protest took place in Sunkapura in the Gubbi taluk wherein the Link Canal is being constructed. More than 500 police officials were stationed to ensure that no untoward incident unfolds as a result of the protest. Protests also took place in Tumkur’s Town Hall.