Daijiworld Media Network – Kolar (SP)

Kolar, Mar 5: Leaders of Raita Sangha mobbed district in-charge minister, U T Khadar, on Tuesday March 4 during his visit to the town. They vehemently protested against the stand of Khadar against the implementation of permanent irrigation project to the region. The minister retracted his statement at the end, and pledged full support for Yettinahole project.

Khadar, who hails from Dakshina Kannada district, had earlier said that he was against diverting water from Dakshina Kannada district to other districts in the plains. This statement had created heartburn among the people of Kolar district.

When Khadar arrived at the zilla panchayat office here to attend Karnataka Development Project meeting, farmers surrounded him, and demanded his ouster from the state cabinet. Khadar, who appeared to have been shaken by this show of strong resentment, apologized for the statement he had made against the irrigation project. He promised the farmers not to issue such statements henceforth. “I have fully understood the water needs of these dry districts. I am committed to the implementation of this drinking water project, irrespective of strong opposition it might face from people living in the state’s coast,” he announced.