MANDYA, 13 FEB

The fervent struggle for Cauvery water rights reignites in Mandya as farmers and activists launch a renewed protest against the diversion of water resources to Tamil Nadu.

The District Farmers Welfare Committee orchestrates a massive protest near the Visvesvaraya statue, denouncing the recent order to release 908 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu by the authorities. In September, farmers and students alike took to the streets in a monumental demonstration against the release of Cauvery water to the neighbouring state. The sit-in protest, initiated at that time, has persisted, symbolising the steadfast resolve of the local community to safeguard their water rights.

The District Farmers Welfare Committee spearheads a 'weekly movement' aimed at intensifying opposition to the Central Water Commission and Cauvery Water Management Authority directives. The movement marks the culmination of the 150-day-long Kaveri dharani (sit-in protest), signalling a new phase of resistance against perceived injustices in water distribution.

With a display of solidarity, the Farmers' Welfare Committee joins the chorus of dissent, echoing the sentiments of frustration and anger prevalent among the local populace. A poignant symbol of their discontent, posters condemning the inequitable distribution of Cauvery water adorn public spaces, serving as a visual reminder of the ongoing struggle for water sovereignty.

The 'weekly movement' represents a collective outcry against what many perceive as a betrayal of the state's interests in the management of Cauvery water resources. As the protests gain momentum, organisers vow to escalate their efforts to ensure that the voices of Mandya's farmers are heard and their concerns addressed.