Sat Mar 01 04:23:59 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Farmers Protest Water Release to Telangana
**Vijayapura, Karnataka –** Farmers in Vijayapura, Karnataka, staged a protest on February 28th against the state government’s decision to release 1.27 TMC ft of water from the Almatti dam to Telangana. The protesters, members of the Akhand Karnataka Raitha Sangha, burned effigies of Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and blew conch shells to voice their anger.
The farmers argue that releasing water during the summer months, when the Almatti dam only holds 33 TMC ft, jeopardizes their livelihoods. They contend the water should be prioritized for local needs, including drinking water, industrial use, and sustaining aquatic life and livestock. Aravind Kulkarni, State general secretary of the sangha, called the decision a politically motivated move rather than a technically sound one, criticizing the state government for prioritizing its relationship with the Telangana Congress party over the needs of Karnataka farmers. He also highlighted Telangana’s past opposition to raising the Almatti dam height.
The protest specifically targeted the silence of two Vijayapura district ministers, M. B. Patil and Shivanand Patil, on the issue. Numerous farmers participated in the demonstration, expressing their deep concern over the water shortage and the perceived betrayal by the state government. The incident underscores growing tensions over water resources between Karnataka and Telangana.
First Piper 