Pics: Ragavendra Balkur
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (TP)
Kundapur, Mar 4: A massive foot march from Kandlur to Siddapura was held demanding immediate implementation of the Varahi Right Bank Canal Project and the provision of irrigation facilities to the neglected agricultural lands under the Siddapur Lift Irrigation Scheme.
The protest was jointly organized by the Vandse and Byndoor Block Congress Committees along with various organizations and concerned citizens, under the leadership of former MLA of Byndoor K Gopal Poojary.
Addressing the gathering Udupi District Congress president Ashok Kodavoor, said, “The waters of the Varahi project must be put to proper use, and should benefit farmers and the general public. The original project plan must be implemented, and the Varahi Right Bank Canal project intended to provide irrigation to 3,000 hectares in Byndoor constituency should be executed at the earliest. As budget preparations are currently underway, the government must allocate funds in the budget for the implementation of the Right Bank project.”
President of the coastal development authority, M A Gafoor, said that the Varahi project cost has now crossed Rs 2,000 crore. However, the Varahi Right Bank Canal project, which is supposed to supply water to Kundapur and Byndoor constituencies, has not yet been started. Former MLA Gopal Poojary has firmly insisted that the project must commence and has launched the padayatra to draw the government’s attention to the issue. He expressed confidence that the government would fulfill the demand.
Former MLA K Gopal Poojary, speaking on the occasion, reiterated that the Varahi Right Bank project must be implemented and that irrigation facilities should be extended to the remaining uncovered areas under the Siddapur Lift Irrigation Scheme. He urged everyone to participate in the farmers’ cause and make the padayatra (Foot March) a success.
On the occasion, Vandse Block Congress president Pradeep Kumar Shetty Gudibettu, Byndoor Block Congress president Aravind Poojary, Congress leaders Sampigedi Sanjeeva Shetty, Vikas Hegde, Santosh Shetty Balladi, KDP member Shekhar Poojary, former Zilla Panchayat member Devananda Shetty Halladu and others were present.