Karanja-affected farmers to stage protest in Bidar on April 11

A joint action committee of farmers affected by the Karanja irrigation project has decided to organise a massive protest in Bidar on April 11 to demand adequate compensation based on scientific assessment and humanitarian considerations.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Public Works Department guest house, near Ambedkar Circle, in Bidar on Thursday (April 2) under the leadership of senior activist Lakshman Dasti. The meeting discussed the delay in implementing assurances given by the government regarding compensation to affected farmers.

In a statement, the committee said that despite prolonged protests, the government has failed to act on its promises, leading to growing discontent among project-affected families.

The protest will be held at Ambedkar Circle, and any change in venue will be communicated through a press release, the committee said.

The panel also resolved to press Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is scheduled to visit Bidar on April 11, to make an official announcement addressing the demands of Karanja project-affected farmers. The committee plans to submit its demands through the district in-charge Minister.

The committee urged families from 28 villages who had lost land and homes for the Karanja project to participate in large numbers. It said the project, considered a lifeline for Bidar district, has benefited lakhs of people by providing drinking water and irrigation, but the affected families are yet to receive just compensation.

Village-level action committees will be formed to mobilise support and ensure the success of the agitation, it added.

The committee also appealed to elected representatives, irrespective of party affiliations, to support the protest and demonstrate collective political will to resolve the issue. It called upon various organisations and citizens to join the movement in solidarity.

The meeting was presided over by committee president Chandrashekhar Patil Huchakanalli, and attended by several office-bearers and hundreds of affected farmers.