Farmers in Bhadravathi taluk demand urgent government action after a devastating April windstorm wrecked their areca crops. Monday,saw members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Hasiru Sene rallying at Deputy Commissioner’s office,protesting for fair compensation for losses.
April 26 storm uprooted lakhs of fully-grown areca trees. Years of investment and labor gone in moments. Villages like Malligenahalli,Ashok Nagar,and Aagaradahalli hit hardest. Now,farmers face mounting pressure to repay loans while scrambling to rebuild their lives.
Protest leader K.T. Gangadhar voiced deep frustration over lack of response from Central and State governments. “Neither Central nor State government has announced any relief package. We are compelled to protest to demand our rights,” he said. Protesters demand at least ₹1 lakh per acre compensation to cover losses.
Beyond compensation, protesters oppose proposed privatization of State’s power distribution sector. Gangadhar warned this could jeopardize subsidized electricity for irrigation pumps,raising costs for consumers. Other KRRS leaders like Eeranna Pyati,Haleshappa Gowdru,and D.V. Veeresh joined Gangadhar, stressing urgent need for government intervention…
