CHIKMAGALUR: The farmers from Belavady have taken over the relay dharna from their counterparts of S Bidare as the Karagada water project strike entered its eighth day on Monday.
Villagers from Belavadi came in tractors and assembled near the Bolarameshwara Temple. They marched in a procession which was followed by farmers on tractors who chanted slogans and sang bhajans.
The members of the Basaveshwara Bhajan Mandali chanted bhajans under the pandal. A large number of protesters braved the heavy rain. They demanded early execution of the project so that Belavadi and Kalasapura got water to save the crops which were wilting.
Struggle Committee convener B Amjad said bitter experiences from the past had taught them a lesson. The dharna would therefore be drawn to its logical end this time, he added. On previous occasions, whenever the agitators went on dharna, the officials started the work, but stopped once the agitation was withdrawn, he said.
In spite of talks with the Minor Irrigation Minister, officials have not visited the camp to convince the agitators about the resumption of works near Malenahally.
“We are not staging this protest for any retribution. All we want is water. We need official confirmation about accomplishing the works within the stipulated time,” he said.
Paramesh and Beeregowda took part in the agitation.