Women Block Minister's Car in Koppal, Demand Drinking Water Amid Scarcity
In a dramatic protest highlighting the severe water crisis in rural Karnataka, women from Sankanal village in Koppal district blocked the car of district minister and Kanakagiri MLA Shivaraj Tangadagi on Wednesday. The incident occurred under the Navali gram panchayat limits, where the minister was passing through after inaugurating development works in the area.
Protest with Empty Pots
Holding empty pots, the women stopped Tangadagi's vehicle and raised loud slogans to draw attention to the acute drinking water shortage. The sudden protest left the minister taken aback, as he was confronted with the urgent demands of the villagers. Despite his attempts to pacify the crowd, the women expressed deep anger over the recurring summer crisis that plagues their community every year.
"Development can wait. Give us drinking water first," they told him emphatically, underscoring the priority of basic necessities over other infrastructural projects.
Severe Water Scarcity in Sankanal
Sankanal village, home to over 100 households, faces severe water scarcity annually during the summer months. The protesters demanded a permanent solution to this persistent issue and insisted on immediate action from the authorities. In response, Tangadagi assured the women that steps would be taken promptly. He directed officials on the spot to address the crisis, following which the women dispersed from the protest site.
Similar Incident in Raichur District
In a related development, residents of Palakanamaradi village in Devadurga taluk of Raichur district staged a protest outside the gram panchayat office, also using empty pots as symbols of their plight. Despite the implementation of a Rs 11 crore multi-village drinking water scheme, the village is grappling with an acute shortage after two motors of the project burnt out a week ago.
This breakdown has affected not only Palakanamaradi but also neighboring villages including Madarakal, Vandali, and Devaragudda. Villagers alleged that panchayat development officer Thimmanna failed to respond to their complaints, citing a lack of funds for repairs. Accusing officials of negligence, the residents gathered at the office and sang protest songs to draw attention to their dire situation, emphasizing the widespread nature of water management issues in the region.
The protests in both Koppal and Raichur districts highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring reliable drinking water supply in rural Karnataka, particularly during peak summer periods, and call for more effective governance and infrastructure maintenance.
