Kabini reservoir loses 10 ft as farmers protest water release to Tamil Nadu
Farmers in the Kabini-Cauvery command area are protesting against the release of water to Tamil Nadu, citing a 10-foot drop in reservoir levels. They argue that the government is prioritizing downstream needs over the requirements of local farmers for standing crops.
Why it matters
Water sharing disputes between states remain a volatile political and economic issue in India, directly impacting agricultural livelihoods.
With the Kabini reservoir’s water level declining by nearly 10 ft after being full just 25 days ago, farmers in the Kabini-Cauvery command area staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday, demanding that water be released for standing crops and further release to Tamil Nadu be stopped.
Karnataka Farmers’ Organisations Federation president Kurubur Shanthakumar alleged that water was being released to Tamil Nadu at the cost of farmers in the command area, despite the reservoir having been full until recently.
He criticised the State government for convening a meeting in Bengaluru to take a decision on water release without consulting the affected farmers.
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