Mandya: In the wake of hundreds of farmers staging a demonstration on Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway yesterday opposing the release of water from KRS to Tamil Nadu, security has been beefed up at KRS dam in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district.

As soon as protests erupted across the district, Police security  was tightened at the dam site as a precautionary measure.

IGP (Southern Range) Vipul Kumar visited KRS dam and reviewed security arrangements.

Even as demonstrations were held across Mandya yesterday, a large Police force was also deployed at Tamil Colony in the Sugar Town.

SP G. Radhika visited sensitive areas of the Town to take stock of the situation.

Farmer leader warns

Strongly condemning the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Raitha Hitarakshana Samithi President and former MP G. Madegowda has warned the officials of severe action if KRS water is released to Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to press persons here yesterday, Madegowda said the inflow to KRS dam had just started to trickle and it was the responsibility of the officials to ensure that water is stored in the dam. He warned of severe protests if the Government continues to release water.

He also alleged that the officials were falsely claiming that  only a small quantity of water was being released to meet the drinking water needs of Bengaluru.