Five children from Keppayyanahatti village in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, have appealed directly to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for urgent drought relief. In a heartfelt 2.5-minute video, Varnika R described how severe water shortages have forced villagers to migrate while animals and birds perish without water.
“We want Kabini water for Ramapura stream, canals, and all villages of Hanur taluk,” she pleaded, adding, “With no rain, there is no greenery, and we are helpless.”
Data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre shows Hanur has recorded a -64% rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 7—receiving only 19.2 mm compared to the usual 53.6 mm. The entire Chamarajanagar district is under a red alert for monsoon failure, with a -45% deficit.
Villagers say the nearby Udutarehalla dam, built across a stream just 10 km away, could help if Kabini water is diverted instead of being released downstream.
Amjad Khan of the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha pointed out that the previous government had proposed the Udutarehalla lift irrigation project, estimated at ₹180 crore, but it was later dropped, worsening the crisis.
He urged the state to revive the project and implement both immediate and long-term drought mitigation measures.