Yadgir bandh on November 6 if water crisis is not addressed, says Narasimha Naik
Former Minister Narasimha Naik has set a November 5 deadline for the State government to resolve the water crisis affecting local farmers.
Former Minister Narasimha Naik (Raju Gowda) warned on Saturday that a Yadgir Bandh will be observed on November 6 if the State government does not address the district's water crisis by November 5, according to The Hindu.
Speaking at a press conference with farmer group leaders and pro-Kannada organisations, Mr. Naik said standing crops across thousands of acres are at risk of withering because water supply has suddenly stopped.
Mr. Naik stated that authorities halted water releases into the Narayanpur Left and Right Bank Canals from the Basavasagar reservoir on October 25 under Warabandi restrictions. He noted that water release is scheduled to resume on November 2 and end on November 12 following Irrigation Consultation Committee (ICC) decisions in Bengaluru.
The former minister argued that releasing water only until November 12 is not enough to save paddy, cotton, and green chilli crops. He said the government must direct authorities to extend the release period until the end of November to prevent crops from being destroyed.
Mr. Naik claimed that water is being sent to neighbouring Telangana overnight through verbal orders. He also questioned Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B.
Patil's statements regarding inter-State water sharing.
Mr. Naik demanded that the government appoint an MLA from Raichur, Yadgir, or Kalaburagi as ICC Chairman instead of those from Bagalkote or Vijayapura to ensure fair representation for local farmers.