Dharwad: The three-day day-and-night dharna held at Gadag to save Kappatagudda concluded on Wednesday evening following specific assurance from Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H K Patil. The minister called Sri Siddhalinga Swami, who is spearheading the campaign, and assured him of taking up the matter in the State Wildlife Board meeting on February 20.
Based on the Minister’s assurance, the protesters withdrew dharna and decided to wait till February 20 for the government to take decision in this regard.
The dharna on the third day under the Save Kappatagudda Campaign saw support pouring in from all quarters.
People from all walks of life extended their support including advocates who refrained from attending court proceedings. The seer of Kotumachagi village Sri Basavanand Swami reached the protest venue, Gandhi Circle, after undertaking a 22-km padayatra.
Members of the District Photographers Association held a protest march to Gandhi Circle and hundreds of college students formed a human chain at Gandhi Circle to press for restoration of conservation reserve tag for Kappatagudda.
Autorickshaw drivers too supported the campaign and drove their vehicles to Gandhi Circle to express solidarity with Sri Siddhalinga Swami of Tontadarya Matt and S R Hiremath of Samaj Parivartan Samudaya (SPS) and others leading the agitation.
Herds of sheep were also driven to Gandhi Circle in an act of solidarity by the members of Halumata community. The protesters demanded the government to immediately issue fresh notification on Kappatagudda.
Despite his fragile health, Sri Annadanishwara Swami of Mundargi also arrived at the protest venue to support the cause. He said that it was essential to save Kappatagudda, a treasure trove of biodiversity and it should be preserved for posterity. Nearly 20 persons took part in the hunger strike and of them, two had to be shifted to a hospital as they complained of uneasiness.
