Bengaluru, June 2 (UNI) – Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Monday said that the Hemavathi project works were initiated only after receiving a green signal from a technical committee, even as the project faces stiff resistance from farmers and local elected representatives in parts of Tumakuru district.
Addressing reporters before leaving for Tumakuru, Dr Parameshwara said several rounds of consultations had been held on the project, including by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
“A technical committee was constituted to examine the feasibility and impact of the project. The committee submitted its report stating that there would be no significant harm caused.
Based on this, the Irrigation Department instructed that the work be taken up, and accordingly, it commenced,” he said.
However, farmers from the affected areas — particularly in Gubbi, Tiptur and surrounding taluks — have expressed strong opposition to the project, fearing it could lead to water diversion from agricultural zones dependent on the Hemavathi river.
They claim that the project, which aims to supply drinking water to Koratagere and Madhugiri constituencies, will reduce water availability for irrigation in the downstream regions that rely heavily on Hemavathi’s flow for paddy cultivation.
Local MLAs have joined the protests, citing inadequate consultation and lack of transparency. Many fear that the construction of diversion pipelines and tanks under the project will deprive thousands of farmers of their primary water source, especially during the dry season.
“In a democracy, it is natural for people to protest if they feel their interests are at risk,” Dr Parameshwara said. “I am visiting Tumakuru to speak directly with MLAs and district officials. I will listen to the concerns and inform the government accordingly.”
The minister also responded to growing criticism over the registration of FIRs against protesters. “There is opposition to the FIRs filed against protesters including farmers. That aspect also needs to be examined. I will look into it when I reach there,” he added.
The Hemavathi river is lifeline to many farming communities in the region. Any potential reallocation of its water is a sensitive political issue, and the protests highlight the mounting unease in the region.
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