Hundreds of Karnataka farmers marched from Gun House Circle to the CADA office demanding an immediate stop to water releases from the Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu. They argue that local crops are being starved while the state diverts water to another region, reigniting a long‑standing water‑sharing dispute.

  • Hundreds of farmers marched from Gun House Circle to the CADA office in Mysuru.
  • The protest was organized by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and led by president Badagalapura Nagendra.
  • Farmers demand an immediate halt to Kabini dam water release to Tamil Nadu and urgent irrigation for standing crops.

Background of the Demonstration

The Kabini dam, built in the 1970s across the Kabini River, submerged over 20,000 acres of forest, displaced more than 33 tribal settlements and sacrificed thousands of acres of farmland. Even today, many affected families have not received adequate rehabilitation, a point repeatedly raised by the protest leader Badagalapura Nagendra.

Details of the March

On Monday, farmers waved green flags and chanted slogans against the state government as they walked from Gun House Circle to the CADA office. They highlighted that the reservoir reached its full level weeks ago, yet water was being diverted to Tamil Nadu while their own fields remain thirsty.

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Significance of Kabini Water

The Kabini command area supports roughly 30,000 hectares of agricultural land, producing rice, sugarcane and horticultural crops. Without timely irrigation, yields could drop dramatically, threatening farmer livelihoods and regional food security.

Historical Context

The dam was originally conceived to address water scarcity in Bengaluru and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Over the decades, however, the project has become a flashpoint, with repeated legal battles over water allocation and inadequate compensation for displaced communities.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the protest highlights a growing tension between inter‑state water sharing agreements and grassroots agricultural needs. If unresolved, it could set a precedent for future disputes across river basins in India, affecting food security and regional politics.

"Inequitable water distribution fuels social unrest and undermines sustainable agriculture," says water‑policy expert Dr. Ajay Kumar.
Did You Know?: The Kabini reservoir holds about 1,540 billion cubic feet of water, making it one of the larger multipurpose projects in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What legal framework allows water from Kabini to be sent to Tamil Nadu?

A: The inter‑state water‑sharing agreement permits excess water to be transferred to neighboring states once the reservoir reaches full capacity.

Q2: Have the farmers proposed alternative solutions?

A: Yes, they have asked the government to fill local tanks and prioritize irrigation for standing crops before any inter‑state release.