Madikeri: Despite healthy water levels at Chiklihole reservoir in Kodagu, local farmers in Nanjarayapatna and Kushalnagar regions are facing severe water shortage for paddy cultivation. Built in 1980-82 to irrigate local fields, the reservoir’s 22km canal network remains uncleaned and overrun with forest growth due to severe neglect by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam.The silt is also causing blockages. Water which was traditionally released in late June for seedling preparation has not been provided till mid-Aug, forcing farmers to rely on private lakes and tube wells. Dense vegetation chokes the canals because annual maintenance and machine cleaning were skipped this season. Due to this, local paddy fields are going dry and excess water is flowing toward KRS dam.Farmers in Sundarnagar whose land was acquired for extended canal sections—sections that now lie unused—are demanding either proper compensation or the return of their land. MD Krishnappa, a farmer representative, has warned of protests.According to community members, the reservoir must serve its primary agricultural purpose rather than functioning solely as a tourist attraction.Functionaries Kudekal Kushalappa, Kudekal Ganesh and temple committee president Shivakumar urged officials of the water resources department to immediately clear the canals and release water so farmers can plant their paddy crops before the season passes.
