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Karnataka Statewide Bandh (Img: X)
Bengaluru: A statewide shutdown was observed in Karnataka on Thursday after several Kannada organisations and farmer groups called for a bandh over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu. The protest was organised against the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s direction to release water to Tamil Nadu amid concerns over Karnataka’s own water requirements.
While demonstrations were reported in some parts of the state, normal life largely remained unaffected in major cities, including Bengaluru. Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, banks and public transport continued to operate normally.
Authorities stepped up security arrangements across Karnataka to maintain law and order during the bandh. Police personnel were deployed at sensitive locations, including Bengaluru airport and protest hotspots.
In Mandya district, officials imposed restrictions on liquor sales as a precautionary measure. The administration ordered the closure of liquor shops, bars and establishments serving alcohol in four taluks — Mandya, K.R. Pet, Srirangapatna and Maddur.
The organisations supporting the bandh argued that Karnataka is facing water shortages and that the state’s drinking water and agricultural needs should be prioritised before releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Several farmer groups and Kannada organisations participated in protests, while some activists were detained by police during demonstrations.
The Supreme Court hearing on Tamil Nadu’s plea regarding Cauvery water release was deferred to August 17. The matter was postponed after Justice Vikram Nath, who was scheduled to hear the case, was unavailable due to illness.
The Karnataka government said it would decide its next course of action after the court’s hearing.
