Protests against release of Cauvery water to TN weakens

Bengaluru, Sep 11 (PTI) As protests against the releaseof Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu showed signs of abating inMandya, the epicentre of agitation, and other districts in thebasin, no major blockade was reported on the Bengaluru-Mysuruhighway today, police said. Bengaluru-Mysuru highway was clear and other routes wereopen now, Mandy Police officials said, adding, buses were alsorunning as usual. Road traffic between Bengaluru and Mysuru had seenregular disruptions and blockade following the September 5Supreme Court’s directive to Karnataka for release of water toTamil Nadu. However, some protests by farmers and pro-Kannada outfitswere reported in Mandya, Hassan and nearby places today. In Mandya, ‘Cauvery Hitarakshana Samithi’ (CauveryWelfare Committee) under the leadership of its President GMadegowda met to discuss further strategy. They have demandedfor immediate stopping of water being released to Tamil Nadu,compensation for farmers and withdrawal of cases againstCauvery protesters. They have also decided to hold meeting of Legislatorsfrom Cauvery belt on September 14. Meanwhile, BJP state President and Former Chief MinisterB S Yeddyurappa joined protest in Mandya today, while JD(S)Supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda conductedaerial survey of the water levels at dams in Cauvery basinregion. Speaking to reporters, Gowda supported government’sdecision to release water to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court’sdirective keeping in mind the main petition that coming up inthe Supreme Court on October 18, where the state ischallenging the final award of the tribunal. "I had asked to release water, because if we disobeytoday, we may not get any benefit from the main petition whichis coming up on October 18. If we don’t get any benefit fromit, Karnataka’s fate will be sealed", he said Deve Gowda’s remarks supporting government’s decision torelease water to Tamil Nadu is being criticised as it iscontrary to party’s stand which has been staging protests inMandya and Hassan against the release of water. On September 5, the apex court had directed Karnatakagovernment to release 15,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for the next10 days to meet the irrigation requirement for Samba paddycrop. MORE PTI KSU RCRCJ