Mysuru: Members of the Udupi Zilla Raitha Sangha staged a Sathyagraha at Siddapura in the district on Thursday to protest against the delay in the implementation of the Varahi Irrigation Project.

Heading the protest, MLC, Prathapchandra Shetty along with the farmers agitated against the irregularities and sluggish work of the Varahi project on 1st January 2015.

Addressing the gathering Prathap Chandra Shetty said that the irrigation project, Varahi is nothing but a scam in the hand of irresponsible leaders and officials. The project was estimated to be Rs 9 crore however till date the project has utilized over Rs 500 crore, he alleged,  claiming irregularities.

He further accused that the tender process had taken place before acquiring the lands, which shows indiscretions in financial transactions.

The project is being misused in the name of EFI (extra financial implications). He stated that the project has several bills showing that the billing is made for the cut-and-cover processing of hard rock; however the work carried out was to take up cut-and-cover processing of clay soil in the tunnel area.

It was promised that 33 villages in Kundapur and 35 villages in Udupi will be benefited with the water; the paper does not adhere to any of the promises made to the villagers.

He demanded immediate inquiry into the financial operations that have taken place in the name of the project, “If not when Varahi irrigation project completes there will not be any farmers in the district”, he threatened.

35 years ago, Varahi project and Brahmavar sugar factory started together, now the factory is closed and the project is useless. He questioned about the real beneficiaries- who received profit of these projects? Not the farmers for sure, it is just the middle man which are officials and the political leaders, he said.

The government failed to fulfill the assurances. It was promised by both public representatives and engineers that work of one canal will be finished by December 31, 2014, and it will be able to provide water for the farmers. However nothing of that sort has happened till date.

He demanded assurance from the government to finish the work within a fixed time so that the farmers get the benefit of it. Untill and unless that assurance is given, the indefinite satyagraha will not be taken back, he said.

Ganapathy Sriyan, ZP member alleged that the officials appointed for Varahi are inactive or nearing to the retirement. One of the chief engineer was found guilty under Lokayukta, the MLC stressed.

Hariprasad Shetty, Raitha Sangha spokesperson said, “If the government really wanted to finish the project at least right bank canal could be done with in 2 month. But no one wants that as it is the best way for the big heads  to make money”

 The protesting farmers put-forth their demands thus:-

• Finish the project within an assured duration
• Lokayukta enquiry on the officials involved in the project
• Immediate investigation into the project’s financial operations
• Stop Kalapekamagari
• Right compensation for the land acquisition
• Compensation for houses damaged due to the blasting activity undertaken for construction purposes