Wall work: Mandya farmers protest over submergence of agri land

Mandya: Farmers in several villages of KR Pet who were affected by Hemavathi backwaters have again raised concerns over the possible submergence of hundreds of acres of fertile agricultural land due to the ongoing work to increase the height of the retaining wall.Residents of Bevanahalli, Bevanahalli Koppalu, Chikkamandagere, Chikkamandagere Koppalu, Mandagere, Dabbeghatta and Margenahalli complained they have been seeking compensation for losses suffered during the 2001-02 submergence but are yet to receive adequate relief.According to farmers, the retaining wall was raised by about 1.5 feet in 2001-02, resulting in the inundation of thousands of acres of agricultural land.

They allege that despite repeated appeals to various govt departments, compensation remains pending. Farmers have urged authorities to halt the project until the compensation for previous losses is disbursed and a detailed assessment of the potential impact of the new construction is complete.

They also alleged that the company is using a canal constructed for irrigation to meet its construction and water requirements and demanded a separate canal for industrial use.

Farmer leader Bunk Manjunath criticised the authorities for failing to address the long-pending grievances of affected families. While acknowledging the need for development projects, he said that they should not come at the cost of farmers' livelihoods. Affected villagers have called for an immediate survey of all the impacted areas, the compensation for losses of land and crops, and a review of the ongoing work.

They also warned that a district-level agitation would be launched if their demands remain unaddressed.