The Cauvery water sharing issue has raised its ugly head once again. Karnataka is quite unhappy with the ruling of the tribunal and plans to submit petition challenging the order. Farmers of Mandya district, who get the maximum benefit of Cauvery water released from KRS dam, have taken to agitation, and the issue, as expected, it taking political overtones.

It is sad to note that Kodagu district from where the River Cauvery originates is suffering from water woes for quite sometime. Although Cauvery river flows in the backyard, poor planning and apathy have ensured that residents Madikeri and Virajpet towns suffer summer after summer. Come March/April, it is the same old story of municipality supplying water in tankers, and endless lines of people waiting with empty pots to collect their share of water.

It is an irony that Kodagu, the source of Cauvery, reels in peak summer, while the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, and even Kerala have made sure that their farmers do not suffer from dearth of water. Who is to be blamed for? The answer lies with the people of the Kodagu district who are in no mood to fight for their share with the administration, politicians and bureaucrats. It is a known fact that laying of pipelines, costing a few crores, from Bethri (near Murnad) to Virajpet and Madikeri will solve the water crisis to a great extent. But, in spite of surveys and plans, the project has been shelved. Reason: elected representatives have not made this case strong enough for the state government to take note of the issue and take further action.

The funny part is whenever the Cauvery water issue heats up, it is the people of Kodagu who are at the receiving end. The blockade of roads in Mandya make sure the connectivity between Kodagu and Bangalore is cut off partially, and one has to take a long detour to reach either of the two places.

While I agree to the fact that people of Mandya have the right to protest injustice meted out to them, at the same time, it is their duty to acknowledge and respect the source for their livelihood – River Cauvery. None of the leaders or politicians from Mandya have shown the basic courtesy to visit Tala Cauvery during Tula Sankaramana to show their gratitude for the water they get. I am sure most of the ryots of Mandya district are ignorant to the fact that KRS dam gets filled up by Cauvery water.

Now, take the example of farmers from the neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Although as a Kannadiga, I am strongly against release of more water to Tamil Nadu, I am at awe when it comes to the love and respect they show for the river. A substantial number of farmers from the Thanjavur belt in Tamil Nadu turn up for Tula Sankramana every year to offer their prayers and gratitude. Wealthy farmers have even contributed to the overall development of Tala Cauvery in terms of buildings, facilities for tourists and mass feeding initiatives. Isn’t heartening?

Protests have already begun in Mandya, Mysore, and Bangalore. Politicians will hijack the issue from the farmers and fight their own battles. This will lead to tensions, blockades, violence, and loss of property. The whole issue will take Kannada vs Tamil colour. We, people of Kodagu, will watch the whole action till it lasts. We can’t do much either, and we want somebody to fight our battle. Unfortunately, this won’t happen!