Cauvery Water Row: Actress Leelavathi Extends Support To Mandya Farmers

The Cauvery water sharing dispute has remained an emotive issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for a very long time. In August, Tamil Nadu asked for 15,000 cusecs of water from Karnataka for 15 days. In return, Karnataka reduced it to 10,000 cusecs. This has recognised the issue once again. Protests have started in various parts of the two states. Many celebrities have expressed their views regarding the issue.

One celebrity who has joined the bandwagon recently is veteran Kannada actress Leelavathi. She has also extended her support to the Mandya farmers in the Cauvery water dispute. The Mandya farmers have been at the forefront and are against releasing water to Tamil Nadu. Leelavathi will be visiting Mandya today, September 25, with his son, actor Vinodh Raj. According to reports, she will also be sitting with the farmers during their protest. It has been reported that she will also be visiting the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam after the protest.

Many other celebrities from the Kannada film industry have also extended their support to the farmers in their protest. Actor-singer Vasishta Simha has also spoken on the water dispute. He said that Kaveri is his birthright, and he will speak for his people. He added that the farmers of Karnataka will face a shortage of drinking water if the water is released. He even pledged to get justice for the farmers.

Another Sandalwood actress, Pooja Gandhi, has supported the farmers on the issue. She said, “The ERO officials should witness the scenario themselves before taking any decision. They should visit the tribunal and check the condition of the KRS Dam. They should see for themselves if the dam has enough water to be released. The government should understand the situation before releasing the water.”

Karnataka has been ordered by the Supreme Court to share a certain quantity of water with Tamil Nadu. In 2018, the SC ordered that Karnataka allot 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu in a year. This year, Karnataka was to make available a total of 123.14 TMC from June to September.