Karnataka Niravari Vedike (KNV), a platform of organisations and individuals working on irrigational issues, has criticised the State government for its “reluctance” in constructing the 590 RL (Reduced Level) canal, which is part of Nandavadagi lift irrigation project that uses Krishna waters through Narayanpur Right Bank Canal (NRBC).
Addressing a media conference here on Saturday, KNV president Lingaraj Chukanatti alleged that the government had a malicious intention to cancel the project that would, if implemented, irrigate 22,000 hectares in Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district and 5,000 hecatres in Hunagunda taluk of Bagalkot district. According to him, the project would benefit 30 villages in Lingasugur taluk and six villages in Hunagunda taluk.
Mr. Chukanatti alleged that vested interests of elected representatives in Raichur district were preventing the government from taking up the project.
“There is a larger conspiracy to ensure that the project would never be implemented. 550 RL and 590 RL canals are part of Nandavadagi lift irrigation project. Maski MLA Pratapgowda has written to the Chief Minister demanding to implement only 550 RL and drop the 590 RL, for the former predominantly covers the areas of his constituency. Accordingly, the government has called tenders for only 550 RL and dropped 590 RL from the tender process,” Mr. Chukanatti alleged.
He criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Irrigation Minister M.B. Patil for bending to the pressures of a local MLA and discriminating among people.
“Maski MLA loses nothing if the 590 RL is implemented as it in no way affects the prospects of 550 RL that covers his constituency. Yet, he is opposing and the government is dancing at his behest,” Mr. Chukanatti alleged.
He also aired his disappointment over the ‘indifference’ being shown by Lingasugur MLA Manappa Vajjal. “The major beneficiary of 590 RL canal would undoubtedly be Lingasugur taluk and it is the duty of Lingasugur MLA Manappa Vajjal to strive for safeguarding its interests. Unfortunately, the MLA has not uttered a single word even after Maski MLA wrote to the government demanding to drop the 590 RL project,” Mr. Chukanatti said.
Demonstration
Mr. Chukanatti announced that KNV would stage a demonstration next Wednesday outside the office of Chief Engineer, NRBC, in Lingasugur.
“Over 7,000 farmers from 30 villages are expected to participate in the agitation. We will not rest till the project is implemented. We will intensify our struggles if government continues to ignore our demands,” he warned.
