SALAR NEWS

Protests disrupt ceremony for Rs 70 Cr AMRUT project in Vatadahosahalli

Protests erupted in Vatadahosahalli during the ₹70 crore AMRUT project ceremony over fears of agricultural impact from diverting tank water; several villagers were detained.

Salar News

Image used for representation

GAURIBIDANURU, 24 JULY

Tension erupted in Vatadahosahalli village during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a ₹70 crore drinking water project under the Union Government’s AMRUT 2.0 scheme. The project proposes to draw water from the village tank to supply Gauribidanuru and eight nearby villages.

Villagers opposed the move, stating that diverting tank water would negatively impact agriculture in Vatadahosahalli and surrounding villages in the tank’s catchment area. They have been protesting against the project for the past few months, warning that it could harm local farming livelihoods.

Officials tried to explain that the project would proceed only after the Vatadahosahalli tank is replenished by water from the Yettinahole project. However, villagers demanded the postponement of the event.

As District In-charge Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh were scheduled to attend, villagers staged a black flag protest near the venue. Several demonstrators were taken into custody.