Tumakuru, June 11 -- The Karnataka government's move to revive the controversial Hemavathi Express Link Canal project after a gap of nearly ten months has reignited political and public debate in Tumakuru district. The project, which aims to channel Hemavathi river water to Kunigal through a linking canal, had earlier been halted following strong opposition from farmers and dramatic protests at the project site.

With the state government now preparing to resume the work, differences have emerged among legislators within the district, setting the stage for renewed confrontation over the project.

The canal project had remained suspended for the past ten months amid sustained protests by farmers and local groups who expressed concerns over...