MYSURU, 30 JUNE

The district unit members of Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers Association (KSSGA) on Monday decided to organise a massive protest against the State government, condemning its reluctance to offer “bagina” to Kabini Reservoir and its move to install smart meters while providing new power connections.

Addressing members gathered at the Gun House Circle in the city on Monday, KSSGA chief Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for not offering the traditional “bagina” to Kabini Reservoir, despite the dam brimming early this year, even before the KRS reservoir.

Bhagyaraj said, “The State government shows haste to release water from Kabini Reservoir whenever it releases water to Tamil Nadu on court directions, but the CM has not shown same enthusiasm in offering ‘bagina’ to Kabini. This shows the government’s neglect towards farmers who grow crops using water from Kabini Reservoir."

He also urged the government to withdraw its decision to install smart meters while providing new power connections, including those for irrigation pump sets.  

The protesters also appealed to State government and the district administration to save sugarcane farmers from the injustices they face at sugar mills, increase the fair remunerative price per tonne to Rs 4000 this season and clear the arrears of Rs 950 crore pending for the past two years.

Condemning encroachment of farmers’ land under the guise of development works, Bhagyaraj urged the government to clear illegal constructions near Kabini backwaters and reconsider promotion of tourism at the cost of farmers’ lives.