Farmers Protest Karnataka Government Decision to Deny Almatti Reservoir Water

Farmer leaders Arvind Kulkarni and Panchappa Kalburgi have threatened protests in Vijayapura and Bagalkot after the Irrigation Consultative Committee denied water release from the Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs for the rabi season. The committee cited drought and limited availability, prioritizing drinking and industrial needs over irrigation.

Farmers argue that previous water stocks were mismanaged and claim irrigation water was diverted to Telangana on oral orders from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. They warned of entering reservoir backwaters if the decision is not reversed. Critics also questioned the government’s choice to guarantee water for industries while neglecting the critical agricultural needs of the Upper Krishna Project command area.

Editor's note: The brief accurately captures the core conflict, the specific stakeholders involved, and the stated grievances of the farmers.