Mandya: The Cauvery water agitation intensified in Mandya on Monday, with activists of Kannada Sena and Farmers’ Association staging a protest using dry and green straw at Sanjay Circle here. They blocked the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway and raised slogans against the state govt over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.Carrying dry straw, the protesters symbolically highlighted the plight of farmers who, they alleged, were being forced to watch their once-green fields turn dry due to inadequate water. They criticised the govt for allegedly failing to protect the interests of farmers while continuing to release water to the lower-riparian state.The protesters demanded a complete waiver of agricultural loans, stating that farmers were facing severe financial hardship due to crop losses and water shortages. They also questioned the govt’s repeated assurances on stopping water releases, alleging that concrete action was being delayed.The agitators also urged the govt immediately file its appeal before Supreme Court on the Cauvery water issue. They called for the early implementation of the Mekedatu project, stating that the proposed reservoir was essential for strengthening Karnataka’s water security, and meeting the drinking water requirements of the state.The protest caused disruption to traffic on the busy highway, with police personnel deployed at the spot to regulate the situation and prevent any untoward incident. The protesters warned that the agitation would continue if the govt failed to address the concerns of farmers and safeguard the state’s share of Cauvery water.
