Farmers in Karnataka Bring Crocodile to Protest Frequent Power Cuts

Farmers in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district staged an unusual protest against frequent power cuts that were disrupting their agricultural activities. According to reports by news agency PTI, these distressed farmers were frustrated with the risks associated with working on their farms at night, as they encountered wild animals and snakes due to inadequate daytime power supply.

One farmer had a harrowing encounter with a large crocodile in his field when he visited to irrigate his farm after power supply was restored one night last week. It was reported that the crocodile had come from the nearby Krishna river in search of prey. The villagers managed to capture the reptile and transported it to the office of the state-run Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) to illustrate the potential danger.

Upon discovering this ‘unusual guest’ in their office, HESCOM officials promptly contacted the police and forest officials for assistance in rescuing the crocodile. Subsequently, the forest officials released the crocodile into the Almatti Dam, from where it is believed to have strayed into the farmlands.

In response to the farmers’ grievances, HESCOM officials assured the villagers that there would be no power cuts during the daytime.

The disruption of agricultural activities was attributed to a lack of rainfall this year, causing water shortages in the dams intended for irrigation. Farmers have had to rely on borewells for irrigation, which, in turn, has led to an increased demand for electricity, creating a power shortage.

Karnataka’s chief minister, Siddaramaiah, acknowledged the power shortage in the state, emphasizing the sharp rise in demand and consumption. While power consumption in October used to be around 10,000 MW, it has surged to 16,000 MW due to the higher usage of electricity for agricultural purposes.