AIKKMS, SUCI(C) stage protest seeking relief for flood-affected people

Farmers and agricultural workers under the banner of the All India Kisan Krishi Mazdoor Sangathan (AIKKMS) and the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) [SUCI(C)] took out a protest march from the Kalaburagi Railway Station to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi on Monday, pressing for immediate relief measures to help flood-affected farmers.

The protesters demanded that the State government declare Kalaburagi a flood-hit district and initiate relief operations in areas ravaged by heavy rain and flooding.

A memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was submitted through Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, urging the government to act responsibly in managing dam water levels to prevent future disasters.

Addressing the gathering, AIKKMS State secretary B. Bhagawan Reddy said that the recent floods in the district were “a man-made disaster” caused by the uncoordinated release of excess water from Ujani, Sina, Bori and Veer dams in Maharashtra.

He criticised the Karnataka and Maharashtra governments for failing to take timely preventive measures despite meteorological warnings.

SUCI(C) district secretary R.K. Veerabhadrappa, AIKKMS district president Ganapathrao K. Mane and SUCI(C) leader V. Nagammal also spoke calling for scientific management of river waters and permanent rehabilitation for flood-prone villages.

The protest was presided over by SUCI(C) district committee member S.M. Sharma.

The memorandum stated that over 85 villages across eight taluks, Afzalpur, Jewargi, Kalaburagi, Chittapur, Chincholi, Sedam, Kalgi and Shahabad, have been severely affected by floods following the sudden release of dam waters.

The potesters argued that despite repeated floods, successive governments have failed to put in place permanent preventive mechanisms.

The organisations put forth 20 key demands, including complete loan waiver for farmers, declaration of the recent damage as a national disaster, compensation of at least ₹25,000 per acre for crop loss, free supply of seeds and fertilisers for the next season, scientific water management between Karnataka and Maharashtra and free electricity for farmers.

They also sought rehabilitation for submerged villages, repairs to damaged infrastructure, establishment of cattle fodder and medical camps and steps to curb microfinance harassment in rural areas.