Bengaluru/Koppal: A fresh political storm is brewing in Kalyana Karnataka as JD(S) prepares for a region-wide agitation over the state government’s decision to stop releasing water from the Tungabhadra dam for the second crop season. The move has deepened the distress of farmers across the Tungabhadra basin—known as Karnataka’s ‘rice bowl’—who are already reeling from extensive kharif crop losses this year.
Farmers face double blow after massive kharif losses
The region has suffered an estimated 12.5 lakh hectares of crop damage during the kharif season due to excessive rainfall. Now, with the suspension of water release for the rabi crop, farmers in Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir, Ballari and Vijayanagara districts fear losing an entire second crop cycle. Many have demanded adequate compensation, arguing that the state’s decision has left them with no means of recovery.
The government has cited the need to replace all 33 sluice gates of the Tungabhadra reservoir as the reason for halting water supply. The project began after gate number 19 was washed away in August last year. Officials contend that uninterrupted work is essential to avoid future structural failures, but farmers say the timing of the shutdown has pushed them into economic jeopardy.
JD(S) steps in, plans protests across the region
Sensing rising anger on the ground, JD(S) has moved to take up the issue and mobilise farmers. The party plans to launch its agitation in Sindhanur in Raichur district, a region with large tracts of paddy cultivation. Former minister Venkatrao Nadagouda, Devadurga MLA Karemma and Gurmitkal MLA Sharanugouda Kandakur will lead the protests.
“The government is blatantly anti-farmer,” said Kandakur. “Congress may think those in the agriculture sector have no voice, but our protest is aimed at sending a message that farmers in the state are not helpless. JD(S) is with them. We will fight under the leadership of H. D. Kumaraswamy and Nikhil Kumaraswamy to get justice.”
With a strong base in Kalyana Karnataka, JD(S) is also eyeing political consolidation ahead of the next assembly elections. Its ally, the BJP, is concurrently working to revive the NDA modelled on its Bihar strategy. Party leaders believe that leading farmer-centric agitations could strengthen their organisational position in the region.
Plenary meeting to strategise on Tungabhadra issue
The JD(S) strategy will be finalised during its plenary meeting on November 21 and 22, coinciding with the party’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The Tungabhadra dam issue is expected to dominate discussions, including consideration of a padayatra from Raichur to Bengaluru.
“This is the time for our party to fight against this anti-farmer government,” said Nikhil Kumaraswamy. He added that JD(S) plans to launch a ‘Save Tungabhadra’ campaign alongside a state-level agitation demanding compensation for distressed farmers. Detailed plans will be ironed out at the plenary.
Concerns over reservoir capacity and project delays
Local leaders and water experts have also raised concerns about the shrinking capacity of the Tungabhadra reservoir. The original storage capacity of 135 tmcft has reportedly reduced to about 100 tmcft due to silt accumulation, raising questions about long-term water security in the region.
Meanwhile, doubts linger over whether the state government will complete the replacement of all gates by its stated deadline of June. “Given the reputation of the government, farmers are not confident that work will be completed on time,” said Nadagouda. “The government must commit to the deadline and spell out measures in case it misses the mark.”
Conclusion
As the rabi season approaches with uncertainty, farmers in the Tungabhadra command area are caught between structural repair works and the urgent need for irrigation water. With JD(S) turning the issue into a major political mobilisation ahead of elections, the pressure on the government to offer clear timelines and compensation is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.