In a scathing protest that highlighted the simmering discontent over the incomplete Upper Krishna Project (UKP), thousands of farmers and political leaders gathered in Bagalkot on December 3, accusing the state government of financial mismanagement and neglecting crucial irrigation projects that are vital to the lives of farmers in North Karnataka. Members of the Krishna Upper River Project (UKP) Drowning Victims’ Welfare Struggle Committee led the protest, demanding the immediate completion of the UKP and urging the government to fulfil its promises to the region’s people.
The protest rally, which began at Kalidasa Circle and culminated at the deputy commissioner’s Office, was organised non-partisanly, with Congress and BJP MLAs joining forces to voice their concerns. The protestors raised several key issues, including the height of the Almatti reservoir gate, the completion of the land acquisition process for the 1.33 lakh acres of land to be submerged, and the relocation of 20 villages that are set to be affected by the project.
A Call for Immediate Action: ‘Complete the UKP Now!’
Prakash Antaragonda, General Secretary of the Krishna Upper River Project (UKP) submerged Victims’ Welfare Struggle Committee, clarified that the struggle would continue until the UKP project was fully completed. He announced a relay hunger strike from December 4 onwards, with participants from each taluk joining the protest daily. “We will not rest until the Krishna Upper River Project is completed and our demands are addressed,” Antaragonda declared.
The protesters’ anger was palpable as they decried the government’s failure to fulfil its promises. They called for the government to act immediately and provide the necessary funds to complete the long-delayed project, which has been at a standstill for decades.
Former Minister SR Patil Slams Government for Neglecting the Project
Former Minister SR Patil, who joined the protest, delivered a fiery speech accusing the Congress government of reneging its promises regarding the UKP. Patil expressed frustration over the government’s failure to allocate funds for the project despite being a major issue during the state elections. “In Vijayapura, CM Siddaramaiah promised to allocate Rs 75,000 crore for the UKP, and he even committed to providing Rs 40,000 crore every year for irrigation projects. However, we still have not seen the promised allocation after two budgets. This is nothing short of a betrayal to the people of North Karnataka,” Patil said.
Patil emphasised that the Krishna Upper River Project, conceptualised as early as 1964 when former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri laid the foundation stone, has continued to limp forward without the necessary financial support. The delay in the project, he said, has left thousands of families in limbo—those who have lost their homes, lands, and livelihoods to the project without receiving adequate compensation.
Despite numerous changes in government over the years, Patil criticised successive administrations for failing to allocate sufficient funds for the UKP, which has only led to increasing costs. “The victims of the project, including farmers who have lost their lands, temples, and entire villages, are still waiting for their compensation. Yet, year after year, the project remains incomplete, with no clear roadmap to ensure its completion,” he added.
Government Accused of Financial Irresponsibility
The protesters were particularly vocal about what they perceived as the government’s lack of financial will. SR Patil strongly appealed to the government, challenging them to stop using the excuse that no money is available due to the implementation of the five guarantees. “Don’t say you don’t have money for the Krishna project. The government has enough funds, but it’s simply not being allocated where needed most,” Patil thundered.
In a pointed remark, Patil suggested that the state government sell off some of its prime properties in Bengaluru to raise the necessary funds. “Why not sell the Turf Club, the Race Course, or the Golf Course? These are valuable government properties, and if the state government sells even one of them, it could generate over Rs 50,000 crore. This money could then be directly used to complete the Krishna Upper River Project and benefit the farmers and people of North Karnataka,” he argued. Patil’s comments were met with loud applause from the crowd, who echoed his call for the government to act decisively.
Patil also took a jab at his party, indirectly criticising the political establishment. “When I was the opposition leader, I organised a padayatra and a tractor rally to demand funds for the Krishna Upper River Project. I took this issue to the floor of the House and fought hard for it. But today, I am not even considered for a council seat despite my dedication to the cause. This is the price you pay for fighting for the rights of the people,” he lamented, referring to his lack of recognition within his party.
The Struggle for Compensation and Land Acquisition
The core issue at the heart of the protest is the need for compensation for the farmers who have lost their land due to the project. The UKP involves submerging a vast area of 1.33 lakh acres, affecting 20 villages in the Bagalkot district. The project has displaced thousands of families who have been waiting for relocation and compensation for years.
Despite the promises made by successive governments, including the current Congress-led administration, the compensation process has been slow and inefficient. Many farmers have not received their rightful compensation, leaving them destitute and without a livelihood. Protesters argued that the delay in the project’s completion and inadequate compensation exacerbated their difficult circumstances.
The Krishna Upper River Project has become a symbol of broken promises and the state government’s failure to address its farmers’ needs. “We have lost everything to this project, and now we are asking for our due. We want compensation, we want relocation, and we want the project to be completed so that we can rebuild our lives. But the government has turned a blind eye to our plight,” said one of the protestors, speaking on behalf of the affected families.
The Struggle Continues: ‘We Will Not Stop Until Our Demands Are Met’
The protest in Bagalkot is just one of many organised across the region as farmers and their families continue to demand justice. The committee has vowed to take the struggle to its logical conclusion, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. Antaragonda, speaking on behalf of the committee, stated, “If the government continues to ignore our demands, we will take this protest to the next level. We will continue with our hunger strike; if that does not yield results, we will go on a hunger strike until death.”
The protesters clarified that their fight is not just about completing the Krishna Upper River Project but ensuring that the government is held accountable for its failures. They are demanding that the government fulfil its promises to the farmers and provide compensation for those who the project has displaced.
A State in Financial Crisis
The ongoing protests in Bagalkot and across North Karnataka are a stark reminder of the government’s failure to prioritise the needs of its citizens. The Krishna Upper River Project, which has been in the works for over six decades, has been consistently delayed due to the lack of political will and financial mismanagement. The protesters’ accusations that the government is bankrupt and unable to fund crucial projects like the UKP have highlighted the financial mismanagement and apathy within the administration.
With the state government now facing intense scrutiny from the public, it remains to be seen whether they will take immediate steps to address the concerns raised by the farmers and bring the Krishna Upper River Project to completion. The people of North Karnataka, who have been waiting for decades, are demanding that the government fulfil its promises and stop using the excuse of financial constraints to delay crucial development projects.
