Farmers oppose NIMHANS hospital at Gudumadanahalli

Mysuru: Hundreds of farmers and various farmers' organisations Thursday staged a protest in front of the deputy commissioner's office in the city, opposing the proposed construction of a NIMHANS hospital at Gudumadanahalli village.The protesters raised slogans against the Mysuru district administration and expressed anger over the decision to identify fertile agricultural land for the project.A memorandum addressed to chief minister Siddaramaiah was submitted, urging the govt to reconsider the proposal at the site.Farmers stated that nearly 80 families depend on the notified land for their livelihood and have been cultivating two crops annually for over 60 years. They emphasised that the land is highly fertile and supports both agriculture and livestock.The protestors questioned the decision, asking whether authorities understood the importance of preserving agricultural land. While they expressed support for establishing a NIMHANS hospital at an appropriate alternative location, they strongly opposed its construction in Gudumadanahalli.Farm leader Badagalapura Nagendra cautioned the state govt, emphasising that no govt provoking farmers has maintained its authority. He stated that efforts to suppress the farmers' agitation would not be successful.The protesters also alleged that local police committed atrocities against them during the agitation.