The simmering dispute over the Hemavathi Link Canal project erupted into violence in Tumakuru district last week, prompting a visit from Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara and leading to a significant police response. This Hemavathi protest, driven by fears of water diversion, has now resulted in 13 separate FIRs being filed against opposition leaders, though arrests are yet to be made.
The Hemavathi protest on May 31st, organized by opposition parties (BJP, JD(S)) and farmer groups, aimed to halt work on the long-delayed canal project. Protesters, convinced the project would steal Tumakuru’s vital water supply to benefit Kunigal taluk, defied police orders. The demonstration turned destructive, involving tyre burnings, traffic blockades, and damage to construction equipment, including a JCB machine. A police inspector was reportedly injured by mud bricks during the clashes.
Government Condemns Violence, Defends Project
Both Home Minister Parameshwara and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar strongly condemned the violence of Hemavathi protest . Parameshwara, speaking to reporters before heading to Tumakuru on Monday, urged restraint and criticized politicians for exploiting development issues. He specifically addressed the sensitive issue of naming religious figures: “The matter will need to be addressed, and that is why I am headed to Tumakuru,” he stated, clarifying that while seers were discussed, they haven’t been formally named in any FIRs yet.
The FIRs currently name prominent opposition figures, including Tumakuru Rural BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda, BJP leader S D Dilip Kumar, and JD(S) leader Nagaraju.
Water Allocations & Technical Assurances
Central to the conflict are concerns about water rights. Minister Parameshwara moved swiftly to dispel what he called a “misconception.” He emphatically stated that drawing water for Kunigal from a point 70 km along the canal will not reduce Tumakuru’s allocated share of 2,815 million cubic feet (mcft). Kunigal, he noted, has an allocation of 3,037 mcft.
“The technical committee has categorically ruled out any reduction in Tumakuru’s supply,” Parameshwara reiterated. He emphasized that the express canal project received thorough scrutiny, including cabinet approval on January 5, 2024. Consultations were held with all concerned MLAs, including those from Turuvekere and leaders who had protested earlier, in the presence of the Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister. “The government took a well-informed decision,” he asserted.
Deputy CM Slams “Political Stunt,” Highlights Kunigal’s Need
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, who also oversees water resources, dismissed the protest as a “political stunt” fueled by misinformation. He flatly denied claims that Hemavathi water was being diverted to Bengaluru South.
“The real injustice,” Shivakumar argued, “is that Kunigal taluk has failed to utilize nearly 90% of its rightful water allocation over the past decade.” He framed the project as correcting a long-standing imbalance within the state, not an inter-state conflict. “Are the people of Kunigal not citizens of Tumakuru district too?” he questioned pointedly. “When Tumakuru receives water from Krishna and Cauvery, why deny Hemavati water to Kunigal?”
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Shivakumar revealed the project was initially approved during H D Kumaraswamy’s tenure (JD(S)) but stalled under the subsequent BJP government led by BS Yediyurappa. This delay, he claimed, caused costs to balloon from an initial ₹600 crore estimate to between ₹900-1000 crore. He blamed opposition figures, including district minister Madhuswamy (BJP), for this cost overrun.
Responding to allegations that Ramanagara district was the real beneficiary, Shivakumar clarified, “Ramanagara has its own irrigation scheme. This project is specifically and solely for the benefit of Kunigal taluk, which has received only 3.3 TMC against its rightful share.”
Shivakumar also highlighted irony, accusing leaders like Suresh Gowda of demanding a technical committee only to oppose its findings once presented. “Now that the report is out, they are the ones obstructing work,” he alleged, claiming farmers were being manipulated for political gain.
Way Forward: Review & Construction
With ₹400 crore already released and construction underway, Shivakumar appealed for public support. The Home Minister’s visit signals the government’s intent to review the situation, including the FIRs filed against protest participants. While 13 cases stand, the government’s willingness to “address” the inclusion of seers suggests potential reconsideration is on the table.
The Hemavathi protest underscores the deep sensitivities surrounding water resources in Karnataka. As the government pushes forward with the Kunigal project, balancing regional needs and managing political opposition remains a critical challenge. The situation in Tumakuru is evolving, with potential legal and political repercussions stemming from the FIRs and the ministerial review.
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