Shrinking of fertile land a cause of concern for ryots

BELAGAVI: Farmers in Darga, a hamlet under Savadi GP located on the bank of the Krishna River in Athani taluk, are worried about the erosion of fertile land in the backwater of Hipparagi dam.
Darga is also recognised as the last village near Alamatti backwater. It has 400 families, and most of them have 1.5acres of land on the riverbank, that depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
According to farmers, the fertile land of the village started submerging in the backwater after the construction of the dam. They started to protest as the problem escalated, and after 8-10 years of sustained struggle, the government agreed for the construction of a 500m high barrier at a cost of Rs 28.5 crore. Though the work is on, farmers said they are not satisfied with the remedy.
A small bridge is being constructed near Darga, as an alternative route to check heavy vehicle traffic over the Hipparagi barrage. This has also added to the problems of the villagers.
They want immediate action to protect the fertile land which is drowning in Krishna river due to land erosion. They want the height of the barrier near Hipparagi barrage be increased to 1,500 metre to prevent land erosion.
Umar Mulla, a villager, said most of them keep only 1.5acre land for cultivation. Karnataka Niravari Nigam Ltd (KNNL) should take action immediately to address their concerns. “In the last three years, 5-7 acres of land has disappeared. There is a need to increase the height of the barrier. They should take action to save our fertile land,” he added.
Another villager Sangappa Mayappanavar the portions dug by the contractor for the bridge construction has caused further damage. “Our village has been discriminated with no rehabilitation centre and alternative land,” he rued.
The villagers said they have brought the matter to the notice of Siddaramaiah when he was the opposition leader. Many of them are now pinning hopes on MLA Laxman Savadi for a solution.
Pradeep Patil, assistant executive engineer, KNNL, said the proposal to increase the barrier’s height is before the government. It will be discussed with senior officials, and action will be taken, he added.