Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: Farmers condemn Centre’s decision to extend term of Mahadayi tribunal, and more

Farmers’ associations have condemned the Union Government for extending the term of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) by around six months, terming it unnecessary. “It is time the tribunal gave its final award. The tribunal was set up 15 years ago. The people of northern Karnataka have been waiting endlessly. The Centre should ensure that the tribunal releases its decision immediately, and that it is implemented as soon as possible,” Kalasa Bandori agitation committee leader Vijay Kulkarni said.

Krishik Samaj leader Sidagouda Modagi said that farmers in Belagavi were engaged in a fight against the decision of the government of Karnataka to supply Ghataprabha river water to Dharwad industrial area from Hidkal dam. “We are hoping that the Mahadayi issue is resolved soon so that Hubballi-Dharwad and surrounding areas become self-sufficient in water, and do not have to depend on Belagavi for water supply,” he said.

India’s largest Greenfield Domestic Cargo Terminal (DCT) has been launched at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The 245,000 square feet facility launched by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) in partnership with Menzies Aviation is the country’s largest DCT in terms of designed capacity.

Spanning over seven acres, the DCT features a peak handling capacity of approximately 360,000 metric tons, with a potential to expand to 400,000 metric tons. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge digital solutions and introduces upgrades like real-time shipment tracking, data analytics tools, and enhanced communication systems integrated with barcodes and QR codes.

The Belagavi district administration has initiated a series of measures to contain H5N1 Avian influenza or Bird Flu. Following an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu at Udayagiri in Latur district of neighbouring Maharashtra, the Belagavi district administration has begun screening of samples in individual and company farms, and setting up check posts at the inter-State border.

According to the 20th livestock census, there are 26.40 lakh broilers, or egg-laying chicken, in Belagavi district. As per the safety protocol issued by the Union Government, seven check posts have already been set up on the borders of Maharashtra and Goa. Chicken, eggs, chicken meat and chicken byproducts coming from Maharashtra and Goa are being inspected.

The Food Safety Department of Karnataka has found that 52 hotels are using polythene sheets to prepare idli, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on February 27, 2025. The department had collected samples from 251 hotels.