A bandh has been called for August 17 in the Sringeri assembly constituency, triggered by ongoing encroachment clearance operations by the forest department in Chikkamagaluru district’s Malenadu region. Organized by the Male Nadu Welfare Committee and local farmers, the bandh protests what they view as anti-farmer actions by the government, particularly concerning the eviction of encroachments on forest and revenue land.
The bandh will impact Sringeri, Koppa, and NR Pura taluks, with significant support from local farmers and residents. The Malenadu Citizen Farmer Welfare Committee has mobilized thousands to participate, aiming to express strong opposition to state government policies.
The forest department’s efforts to reclaim encroached land have met with backlash from the farming community, who depend on this land for their livelihoods. The clearance operations have intensified tensions between local residents and authorities. Farmers argue that these actions threaten their agricultural practices and call for a reconsideration of the government’s approach.
The protest is anticipated to be one of the largest in recent memory, with a major rally planned in Koppa. Organizers hope to pressure the government to address their grievances and reconsider the encroachment policies. The bandh highlights broader issues of land rights and the impact of government decisions on rural populations.
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