Farmers Protest Water Rationing Near Kalaburagi, Citing Severe Drought

Farmers staged a protest at Devapur Cross, blocking the Bidar-Srirangapatna National Highway, and demanded the withdrawal of the rotational water supply system (Warabandhi). Protesters alleged that the State government stopped water release from October 25 to November 2 to enforce these restrictions, despite adequate storage in the Basavasagar Reservoir. The local district is reportedly suffering from severe drought, causing widespread damage to commercial crops like cotton.

The dispute highlights the severe impact of water restrictions on agricultural output in the region. Farmers relying on irrigation from canals for crops like paddy and groundnut expected a steady supply, but the enforced rationing is contributing to economic losses due to the prolonged dry spell.