Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Mar 26: Raita Sangha Hasiru Sene taluk president, M Subrahmanya Bhat, termed the order issued by the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada disrict to Mescom to severe power connections given to pump sets functioning inside River Netravati upstream of Thumbe vented dam as anti-farmer. The deputy commissioner had issued this order to restrict use of river water for agricultural purpose at a time when meeting drinking water needs of the people is the first priority during the summer months when water level in the dam has plummeted.

He noted that coconut and betel nut trees which need regular water supply will wither for want of water. "Growing these trees again requires a minimum of seven years. The government should disburse loss suffered by farmers for seven years before cutting power supply. It is improper to sacrifice the interests of farmers who live by the banks of the river to serve the citizens living in the city. The dam water level has gone up this time, and large agriculural tracts have submerged as a result. The farmers concerned have been neglected and permanent compensation has not been disbursed to them. Now the district administration is inflicting further miseries on farmers by cutting power supply to pumps," he commented.

He warned that if power connections of pump sets of farmers are severed without disbursement of suitable compensation, strong protests by farmers would be organized against the district administration.