Irrigation projects, the poll refrain in Sorab

Sorab was declared as drought-affected from 2015 to 2017. Arecanut, maize and paddy growers here suffered heavy losses during this period.

Sorab was declared as drought-affected from 2015 to 2017. Arecanut, maize and paddy growers here suffered heavy losses during this period.   | Photo Credit: File Photo

The implementation of irrigation projects to provide water for agricultural and drinking needs in drought-prone areas is the main poll plank for political parties in Sorab segment.

The candidates of the three major parties — Madhu Bangarappa of the Janata Dal (Secular), his elder brother Kumar Bangarappa of the BJP, and Raju Tallur of the Congress — are seeking votes by promising to implement irrigation projects if they get elected.

Sorab taluk is located on the fringe of the Western Ghat that records heavy rainfall, but Jade and Anavatti hoblis here are identified as drought-prone.

Sorab was declared as a drought-affected taluk from 2015 to 2017. The arecanut, maize and paddy growers here suffered heavy losses during this period following yield loss caused by moisture stress. Though Varada and Dandavathi rivers flow here, and the taluk has a good concentration of ponds (1,062), farmers say there has been no effort so far to provide water to the agricultural lands from the surface water sources.

The previous BJP government had given approval for the Dandavathi irrigation project and foundation stone for it was laid in 2009. The plan was to build a reservoir across the Dandavathi near Marur-Jedigere village to store 1.8 tmcft of water, thereby providing irrigation for 17,500 acres. However, the project’s implementation was delayed owing to protests staged by farmers who feared displacement over it. Mr. Kumar Bangarappa is seeking votes by promising to take measures to implement this project.

JD(S) padayatra

In November 2017, the 90-km padayatra taken out by the JD(S) from Kubatur village to Shivamogga city demanding implementation of irrigation projects had attracted huge crowds. At the election campaign meetings of the JD(S), Mr. Madhu Bangarappa has claimed that because of his efforts, the State government had agreed to release funds for the Khavi irrigation project. He has assured that if elected, he would take measures to implement the Mudi-Kuneteppa and Mugur lift irrigation projects.

Mr. Tallur too has been requesting voters to support him for the implementation of irrigation projects.