LIFELINE FOR FARMERS: Water released from Bhadra reservoir at Gajanur in Shivamogga flows into canals supplying to drought-hit parts of Davanagere district
Davanagere: After weeks of uncertainty, farmers in parts of Davanagere district secured a key demand with the government deciding to release water from the Bhadra Reservoir into canals from Thursday midnight for a period of 15 days. With rainfall in Aug and Sept falling far short of expectations, canals, tanks and ponds across Davanagere, Channagiri and Harihar had dried up, triggering concerns over drinking water availability for people, livestock and standing crops. Farmers had organised protests in Shivamogga, Bhadravathi, Davanagere, Shantisagara, Malebennur and several other places, demanding immediate release of water to the Bhadra command area.
The decision came in the wake of a large tractor rally staged near Shiramagondanahalli on Wednesday under the leadership of farmer leader Tejaswi Patel.
Water will be supplied through all zones and distributary canals until October 2, according to the Bhadra Project Irrigation Committee. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Officials expect water to reach several parts of Davanagere district within the next two days, helping recharge dry tanks and streams. The govt order stated that elected representatives, farmers and farmer leaders from the command area had urged authorities to release water through canals as the monsoon shortfall had severely affected local conditions. The deputy commissioners of Shivamogga and Davanagere had also informed the additional chief secretary that the move would be beneficial. Following consultations with the water resources minister, the Irrigation Advisory Committee chairperson and senior irrigation officials, the decision was conveyed to the chief engineer of the Tunga Upper Canal Project Circle in Shivamogga. Farmers have also sought the removal of illegal pump sets along canals to ensure equitable distribution of water. Download the TOI App.