The Cauvery water-sharing issue has once again become a major political and agricultural concern in the Mysuru region. BJP leaders, farmer organisations and other groups have raised objections over water releases from the Cauvery basin, arguing that adequate water must first be ensured for farmers in Karnataka. Protests around the KRS reservoir have increased political pressure on the state government, with parties demanding a stronger stand on the state’s water requirements. The issue is particularly sensitive because farmers in Mysuru, Mandya and surrounding areas depend heavily on Cauvery water for irrigation. The continuing dispute highlights the political and economic importance of effective water management in the Cauvery basin.At an emergency meeting held at Mandya Inspection Bungalow, farmer leaders, including Sunanda Jayaram, former MLA GB Shivakumar and Kannada Sena leader Manjunath, criticised the state govt and CWMA for failing to effectively present Karnataka’s drought situation before the Supreme Court. They said govt must safeguard the state’s interests while ensuring that Mandya’s farmers are not deprived of water.The committee announced that a massive protest would be organised in Mandya on Aug 24 if Supreme Court delivers an adverse order at its next hearing. The leaders also urged Karnataka MPs to raise the Cauvery issue in the Parliament and demanded that water resources minister N Cheluvarayaswamy take immediate action to protect the state’s interests.
