Farmers in Belgaum staged a protest rally on Monday, expressing dissatisfaction with Irrigation Department officials over the delayed compensation payment for acquired land in certain villages of the district. They marched towards the irrigation office located near the Deputy Commissioner’s office, accompanied by bullocks. Subsequently, they staged a demonstration at Kittur Channamma Circle, blocking the area for more than two hours. During the protest, they sat on the road and chanted slogans against officials.
Farmers leader Balesh Mavanuri said, “Around 400 acres of farmland was acquired by the department for irrigation projects in the Hidkal Dam region in 1980. But proper compensation has not been paid till today. Successive governments have failed to fulfill our demand. Irrigation Department officials have not implemented the High Court verdict to settle the issue. They should pay immediate compensation.”
He mentioned that officials are creating confusion among the relevant Minister and other leaders regarding the matter. “The State government is in favour of us getting higher compensation. But the officials are anti-farmer,” he said.
