The indefinite strike by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) members demanding Cauvery and Hemavati waters to be channelised for saving standing crops entered the fifth day on Tuesday.
Farmers in Mandya have been demanding diversion of Cauvery and Hemavati waters to their canals in order to save their produce. Water resources minister DK Shivakumar was forcefully stopped by the agitated farmers to lay down their demands before him.
After listening to the farmers, the minister responded saying, "Nothing is in our hand. Management is handling water issue and I will speak to them." On Monday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had asked the Centre to direct the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to resolve the issue, as water crisis deepened in the state.