Traffic on the national highways passing through Kolar and Chikkballapur districts was disrupted for several hours on Monday as several agitating organisations blocked the roads demanding a permanent irrigation project for the arid region.
Members of farmers' and other organisations squatted on NH Road at different points and obstructed commuters and public and private vehicles.
Some protesters turned violent and damaged a few vehicles when their owners tried to cut through the agitators.
Protests were held at the APMC yard, Kondarajanahalli, Vadagur and other places.
The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Hasiru Sene and pro-Kannada outfits raised slogans demanding permanent projects and higher outlays for supplying drinking water to the drought-prone districts.
Heavy security arrangements were made as a precautionary measure to prevent untoward incidents.