A large-scale protest is set to take place in Belagavi on June 3 under the banner of the ‘Our Water, Our Right’ movement. Spearheaded by environmentalists, farmers, and representatives from civil society groups, the protest targets the Karnataka government’s proposed irrigation initiatives in the ecologically sensitive Mahadayi River Basin.
The protest rally will commence at Sardar’s High School Ground and conclude at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. It aims to raise strong opposition to developmental activities believed to endanger the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
At a meeting on May 27 at Maratha Mandir in Belagavi, participants unanimously resolved to step up their campaign to safeguard the region. They expressed concerns that the proposed projects could have long-term consequences for the environment.
Environmental expert Dilip Kamath warned that proceeding with the Mahadayi basin projects could result in significant ecological damage. He highlighted potential deforestation and flooding of forest lands in the Khanapur region, which could impact both the Mahadayi and Malaprabha rivers and even cause desertification in parts of North Karnataka. Kamath referenced the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports, noting both had strongly cautioned against such activities in the Western Ghats.
“These reports offer comprehensive details about the region’s biodiversity and emphasize the need to protect it. Projects like the Kalasa-Banduri Nala scheme threaten this delicate balance and should be cancelled,” Kamath said.
Conservationist Captain Nitin Dhond cited findings from institutions like the Indian Institute of Science and the Norway Institute for Water Research, both of which flagged major ecological risks. “Their studies show serious threats to the Mahadayi and Malaprabha rivers, the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Western Ghats range. We must act before it’s too late,” Dhond warned.
Social activist Sujit Mulgund expressed concern over the continued redirection of water resources from Belagavi to other districts. He pointed out that water from Belagavi is already being sent to Hubballi-Dharwad under the pretext of drinking water supply and noted similar plans for diverting Ghataprabha water to industrial zones in Dharwad—without scientific assessment or local consultation.
Mulgund also drew attention to the heavy use of Malaprabha water in taluks like Bagalkot and Ramdurg, as well as water-intensive farming in Navalgund, Nargund, and Dharwad. He warned that such patterns could deplete resources meant for Belagavi.
Former minister and farmer leader Shashikant Nayak strongly criticized the move to allow Dharwad industries to access Hidkal dam water without consulting Belagavi’s farmers. “This is an injustice to the farming community here. We are already facing water shortages, and such decisions will deepen the crisis,” he said, vowing to oppose the Mahadayi project due to its environmental toll.
Prominent environmental figures including Sagar Dhara, S.R. Hiremath, Suresh Heblikar, and Shivaji Kagnikar are expected to join the rally. Support has also come from several other community leaders such as advocate Nitin Bolbandi, Chunappa Poojeri, Sidagouda Modagi, Mallesh Chougale, Nyla Coelo, Geeta Sahu, Neeta Potdar, Sunita Patil, and Colonel Ravindra Saini. Representatives from ISKCON, Dalit groups, and various farmer and ecological rights organizations will also participate.
The protest is expected to draw widespread support from those advocating for environmentally responsible development and greater community involvement in decisions affecting natural resources.
