Mandya: Amid protests against the CWMA’s directive to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, 104-year-old Shivamma from Thimmalapura village in Tumakuru district emerged as a symbol of the agitation in Mandya on Friday.Despite her age, Shivamma travelled with her son to join demonstrators at Sanjay Circle and expressed support to farmers opposing the release of water from Karnataka’s reservoirs. Her presence drew widespread attention from protesters.Addressing the gathering, she urged the state govt not to release water, citing the acute shortage facing Karnataka. “We do not have enough water even for drinking. Our farmers, cattle and people are already struggling. The govt and the chief minister must stand firm, and the younger generation should join the movement,” she said.Shivamma said poor rainfall and declining reservoir levels had worsened the situation for farmers and livestock. “There is no water for our farmers or cattle. If we part with it now, what will remain for us? Cauvery water should not be released at any cost. I pray for good rains,” she said.
