Farmers in Karnataka have entered the 68th day of an overnight hunger strike in Vadakehalli, pressing authorities to establish an irrigation link from the Cauvery River to the Dantalli route. The demonstration, organised by the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association and the Dantalli Irrigation Struggle Committee, began on 27 October 2025 and shows little sign of abating.
Karnataka irrigation protest demands and progress
Protesters want a direct water supply from the Cauvery River routed through Dantalli to serve Martalli, Shettihalli and Kuratti Hosuru panchayats. They argue that a reliable irrigation system is essential both to revive local agriculture and to provide clean drinking water to residents. On the 67th day of the agitation, villagers and farmers staged a night-long sit-in, urging legislators and officials to expedite planning and implementation.
Speakers at the site said their demands include an immediate feasibility study, allocation of funds for the irrigation project and the provision of basic amenities for the affected villages. Farmers claim earlier commitments from officials have yet to materialise. One local activist, Puttaswamy, said the district collector had previously visited the site and promised a detailed project report within the Sankranti period. The protestors say that transfer or reassignment of officials has delayed progress and renewed their urgency for a resolution.
Protestors emphasised that the irrigation scheme is not solely an agricultural necessity but also a public-health measure. They stressed that added groundwater recharge and improved distribution will help secure sustainable supplies of clean drinking water for the area. Several farmers criticised what they called a lack of coordination among legislators, ministers and the district administration, which they say has prolonged hardship for farming households.
Organisers named a number of participants who have kept vigil, including local community leaders and dozens of farmers. The protest has drawn widespread attention locally as it moves beyond a short-term demonstration into a long-term demand for concrete action. While the campaign remains peaceful, organisers warned they would escalate tactics unless officials present a clear, time-bound plan for a DPR and subsequent works.
Local impact and officials’ response
The immediate impact has been felt in farming operations and daily life in the panchayats named by the protestors. Crop prospects depend heavily on timely irrigation, and any delay in resolving the water issue could harm the livelihoods of smallholders. Organisers have called for a technical survey and clear funding commitments to begin construction.
District and state authorities have a narrow window to restore trust. The protestors say a prompt decision on the DPR and the initiation of preparatory works would defuse tensions and address urgent water needs. Observers note that resolving such local water disputes often requires sustained administrative follow-up and community engagement to ensure long-term viability.
As the hunger strike enters its 68th day, farmers remain determined to continue until they see tangible action. The situation will be watched closely by regional stakeholders concerned with rural development, water security and agricultural stability in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways:
- Farmers have begun the 68th day of an overnight hunger strike demanding a Cauvery–Dantalli irrigation link to secure water for agriculture and drinking supplies.
- Protestors accuse local and state officials of failing to deliver promised surveys and infrastructure despite earlier assurances.
- The demonstration highlights wider concerns about water management, rural infrastructure and the need for timely government responses.
