KRS dam water release demanded as crops wither in Karnataka’s drought‑hit regions

R. Ashok, a veteran BJP figure, warned that the Karnataka government is on the brink of a political collapse if it continues to force farmers onto the streets. He cited the ongoing drought in the Krishna River System (KRS) basin as evidence of the administration’s negligence.

Farmers have been demanding that water be let into the irrigation canals from the KRS dam to save standing crops. Their protests have escalated to blockades on the Bengaluru‑Mysore highway, where they have set up makeshift camps to survive.

The leader highlighted a recent incident where more than one hundred farmers were taken into custody after attempting to surround the Cauvery Niraavari Corporation office. He questioned whether arrest and intimidation are the only tools the government employs to deal with genuine water‑related grievances.

Ashok appealed directly to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, urging immediate water releases from the KRS dam and a compensation scheme of ₹50,000 per acre for any damaged crops during the upcoming monsoon season.