Mandya, July 14 -- Demanding release of water to canals for agricultural purpose as crops were withering, various farmer organisations, including Mandya District Raitha Hitharakshana Samithi and Rajya Raitha Sangha, staged separate protests at Mandya and Maddur yesterday.

The protesters demanded the State Government to drop the Bengaluru drinking water supply 6th Stage project and release water to canals.

Leaders of Raitha Hitharakshana Samithi picketed the DC Office and staged a protest.

Meanwhile, various farmer organisations blocked the Mysuru-Bengaluru Road at Jayachamarajendra Circle in Mandya and also blocked the road at Hosa Koppa Circle in Maddur and staged protests.

The protesters said that though there was 92 ft. of water in...