Row over Hemavati canal project: DKS warns against ‘blackmail tactics’

The political tussle over the Hemavati river link canal project appears to be becoming more intense with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar accusing those opposing the project of indulging in blackmail tactics. He warned them against taking the law into their own hands, while Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok urged the government to consult key leaders from all parties on the issue and to withdraw cases filed against farmers opposing the project.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Monday, Mr. Shivakumar said that the government will initiate strict action if anyone takes the law into their own hands. “It is not possible to threaten the government,” he said.

He said he would make public the “blackmail tactics” as well as the actual demands of those fighting against the Hemavati river link canal project at an appropriate time.

He denied allegations that water was being diverted to Bengaluru South district by building a link canal and asserted that Bengaluru South district does not need the Hemavati waters as other schemes are being devised to take care of its needs. In fact, Kunigal that would be a beneficiary of this canal had suffered injustice as nearly 90% of its water share was yet to be used, he said.

Cleared when HDK was CM

He said the project had been cleared when JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister. But the BJP had withheld this when B.S. Yediyurappa succeeded him.

Terming opposition to the project as “political”, he said the BJP legislators and leaders were opposing this out of jealousy.

The cost of the project that was taken up at an initial estimate of ₹600 crore had now escalated to between ₹900 crore and ₹1,000 crore, he said.

Meanwhile, taking exception to the filing of cases against those opposing the project, Mr. Ashok demanded that the government should hold consultations with leaders from all the political parties to find a solution to the issue. “The government should hold discussions with farmers to find a resolution,” he demanded.

Published - June 02, 2025 08:52 pm IST