Minister demands speedy completion of canal work, camps at night by the river

BALLARI: Transport and Tribal Welfare Minister B Sriramulu, who is also in charge of the district, staged a unique protest by staying overnight by the riverside at Byalachinti village, demanding completion of the Vedavathi Low Level Canal (LLC).

On Wednesday morning, he bathed in the river, went on a morning walk meeting locals, and even had his breakfast at his protest site. He even declared that he will continue to stay put till water starts flowing in the canal.

Water flow in the canal has been stopped to take up repair work on some pillars of the canal. Due to this, lakhs of acres of land are not getting water for irrigation and farmers fear crop loss.

On Tuesday, after attending the Rajyotsava programme Sriramulu arrived at the work site and camped overnight.

Not to be outdone, Ballari Rural Congress MLA B Nagendra too arrived at the work site and camped there. Just five days ago, he had inspected the progress of work on the canal.