Will the Karnataka Government Prevent Injustice in the Hemavati Link Canal Project?

Bengaluru, Sep 12 (NationPress) In response to recent violence and strong opposition from local farmers and the BJP, the Congress-led government of Karnataka has pledged to uphold justice in the contentious Hemavati Link Canal Project.

Protests against the Hemavati Express Link Canal Project in Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district, Karnataka, turned violent in May and June 2025, with an estimated 20,000 farmers, along with BJP and JD(S) legislators and local leaders clashing with police, blocking roads, causing property damage, and engaging in stone-pelting, effectively halting work on the project.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, also the Water Resources Minister, visited the Hemavati Link Canal work site near Sunkapur in Tumakuru and spoke to the media about the government's commitment to fair treatment for farmers.

“I have assessed the work site of the Hemavati Link Canal project and engaged with officials to ensure no injustice occurs,” Shivakumar stated.

“Farmers need not fear. I will be discussing with officials in Bengaluru to make decisions that protect the interests of farmers in Tumakuru district. All constituencies are important to us. Together, we will work within the legal framework to resolve any issues,” he added.

Shivakumar emphasized, “I am here based on recommendations from Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna and other legislators. My role as Water Resources Minister encompasses all of Karnataka, not just one constituency. The development of all constituencies in Tumakuru is our duty, and the people of Tumakuru have always cooperated peacefully.”

“This project commenced when Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and I held the Water Resources Minister position. The BJP administration later stalled the project, leading to an escalation in costs from Rs 600 crore to Rs 1,000 crore. The struggle dates back to the time of the late prominent politician Y.K. Ramayya. We are committed to ensuring justice. Work has already commenced, and we have allocated Rs 400 crore for procurement and construction, which we expect to conclude within 4–5 months,” he remarked.

“From the Cauvery, 177 TMC of water must be supplied to Tamil Nadu. Already, 220 TMC of water has been released this year from Hemavati, Harangi, Kabini, and KRS reservoirs. With potential rainfall in the coming 4–5 months, around 200 TMC of water could flow to the sea. We must prevent this wastage by directing water through canals to support our farmers. This project aims to utilize excess water when available. All taluks hold equal significance for us,” he emphasized.

“I have thoroughly inspected the work site. Under no circumstances will water flow below canal levels. We will maintain a consistent flow and implement SCADA technology for monitoring. We cannot allow disputes similar to the Cauvery water crisis with Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to arise within our own state,” Shivakumar noted.

“We are also undertaking a project under Ettinahole to provide drinking water to Kolar and Chikkaballapur, ensuring that when surplus water is available, we refill the tanks in these districts. Instead of designing the project solely for drinking water, we opted not to waste any surplus. We are investing Rs 20,000 crore into this initiative, addressing groundwater depletion in the process,” he explained.

When queried about locals requesting that water flow through the primary canals, he responded, “Altering the established plan is not feasible. We will ensure no disruptions to water designated for other taluks. Only the allocated water share will be provided to Kunigal. There will be no reduction in your water supply to benefit others. During water shortages, equitable distribution will prevail. Equal rights for all,” he concluded.