A protest meeting held in Bengaluru on Saturday demanding protection of Uttara Kannada’s rivers Bedti and Aghanashini demanded that the proposed river diversion projects be scrapped.
Hundreds from Uttara Kannada living in Bengaluru participated in the protest organised under the leadership of the Bedti–Aghanashini Valley Conservation Committee. The meeting resolved to demand immediate cancellation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) process for the proposed project and protect the district’s rivers and people’s lives.
Retired Justice Santosh Hegde, MLA Bhimanna Naik, environmental activist Yellappa Reddy, scientist T.V. Ramachandra, marine biologist A.N. Nayak, Akhila Havyaka Mahasabha president Giridhar Kaje, writer Jayant Kaikini, Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, Shantharam Siddhi, actor Nirnalli Ramakrishna and Aravind Nayak were among the prominent personalities who joined the protest, said a release.
Mr. Hegde said the water requirements of people living along the Bedti and Aghanashini rivers must first be studied. Proceeding with the project without conducting such an assessment would be a grave injustice, he said.
Bhimanna Naik, MLA representing the Sirsi–Siddapur Assembly constituency, said the Centre and the State government should have sought the views of local residents before implementing the project or taking it to the DPR stage.
He pointed out that during periods of inadequate rainfall, the rivers already experience water shortages, while areas such as Sirsi have been facing drought-like conditions. He demanded that the DPR process be suspended immediately and an appropriate committee be constituted.
Published – October 10, 2026 11:08 pm IST
