Farmers undergoing a protest, seeking an early implementation of the Kalasa-Banduri canal project in Navalgund, have threatened to block the supply of essential commodities to Goa if the issue was not resolved before July 21.
Resolution
A resolution to this effect was passed at a farmers’ convention organised by the Kalasa-Banduri Mattu Mahadayi Raiya Okkoota on the occasion of the farmers’ agitation entering the 300th day in Navalgund near here on Saturday.
Farmer leader Lokanath Bebasur said that the Mahadayi riparian States of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra should meet and pave the way for allowing Karnataka to utilise 7 tmcft. of water for drinking purpose before July 21, which is observed as farmer’s martyr day.
If this demand was not met, the farmers will block the supply of essential commodities and services to Goa.
The farmers will also demand the resignations of elected representatives, sit on a dharna in front of their houses and attack the State and Union government establishments.
All political parties were playing the sentiments of the farmers, he alleged.
Bandh
Navalgund remained totally closed on Saturday following a bandh call given by the okkoota. The farmers took out a protest rally after paying tributes to the ‘hero stone’, which was installed as a commemoration of the farmers’ revolt of 1980.
Later, they held a convention.
Life in the town came to standstill as all business establishments, government offices, educational institutions remained closed.
Traffic flow on Hubballi-Vijayapura-Bagalakot road too was affected for longer hours due to road block.
Navalgund was closed following a bandh call by Kalasa-Banduri Mattu Mahadayi Raiya Okkoota
