Davanagere: A simmering dispute over the release of water through the Bhadra canal forced the cancellation of a hobli-level Prajaseva meeting in Davanagere on Saturday after protesters stopped deputy commissioner GM Gangadharswamy at the town’s main circle and demanded immediate action on the issue.The programme, organised as part of the state govt’s Prajaseva outreach initiative under the leadership of Komaranahalli MLA BP Harish, was intended to provide a platform for residents to air their grievances before officials. However, the focus shifted even before the meeting began as the MLA, along with farmers and residents, confronted the DC over the continuing drinking water shortage and the delay in the release of Bhadra canal water.The protesters questioned the district administration’s priorities and expressed anger over what they termed official indifference to the issue. Unhappy with the DC’s response, some demonstrators taunted him, asking whether he served the entire district or only the interests of the Shamanur family. They argued that a programme aimed at addressing public concerns would be meaningless unless water was released through the canal first.As tempers flared, the DC chose not to proceed to the venue and returned, leading to further resentment among people who had already gathered for the meeting. Several participants criticised the decision, alleging that the officer left instead of conducting the programme despite adequate security arrangements.A team of officials remained at the venue awaiting further instructions, while police personnel were deployed to maintain order. With the programme eventually called off, the crowd dispersed after consuming food prepared for participants.The incident showcased growing frustration in the region over water scarcity and the long-pending Bhadra canal issue, while also casting a shadow over the govt’s Prajaseva initiative aimed at strengthening public outreach and administration-people engagement.
