Sun Jun 01 15:09:55 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Karnataka River Link Project Sparks Political Firestorm Amidst Water Diversion Accusations**
**Bengaluru, June 1, 2025** – The Karnataka government’s decision to resume work on the Hemavathi River Link Canal Project in Tumakuru district has ignited a fierce political battle, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Congress of diverting water to constituencies near Bengaluru.
The controversy erupted following a large protest by BJP members, farmers, and religious leaders in Tumakuru against the project. Congress MLA H.D. Ranganath defended the project, stating that it would provide much-needed water to the Kunigal taluk, which he claimed had been denied its fair share for 25 years. He emphasized that the project, estimated to cost ₹615 crore in its initial phase, aims to supply 3.01 tmcft of water to Kunigal from the district’s allocated 24 tmcft.
However, BJP leaders, including MLAs B. Suresh Gowda, G.B. Jyothi Ganesh, and MLC N. Ravikumar, have criticized the project as “unscientific” and alleged that the government is attempting to divert Tumakuru’s water share to the Ramanagara region. They argued that the Hemavathi River, unlike the Cauvery, only provides water for a limited period each year.
Amidst the growing tensions, Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna has also voiced his opposition to the project in a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The BJP has specifically targeted Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as Water Resources Minister, accusing him of spearheading the controversial project.
Adding another layer to the dispute, Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna warned against opposition to water allocation for Magadi, fueling further contention. Even S.R. Srinivas, a Congress MLA representing Gubbi, expressed his opposition to the project, highlighting the complexity of the issue within the ruling party.
Following the protests, the district administration has temporarily suspended work on the canal. The political storm surrounding the Hemavathi River Link Canal Project underscores the sensitivity of water resource management and allocation in the region, promising a heated debate in the days to come.
**Summary of the text:**
The Karnataka government’s resumption of the Hemavathi River Link Canal Project in Tumakuru has triggered a political dispute. The opposition BJP accuses the Congress government of diverting water to constituencies near Bengaluru, while the Congress defends the project as necessary to provide water to the Kunigal taluk. Protests have erupted, and even some members of the ruling Congress party oppose the project. The district administration has temporarily halted work amidst the growing controversy.
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