Karnataka Bandh Today: What's Open And Closed In Bengaluru Amid Cauvery Water Row

Bengaluru: An all-Karnataka bandh has been declared today on the issue of the Cauvery water row. Some Kannada outfits have demanded the shut-down as an agitation against the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s order, which has directed Karnataka to supply 12,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 15 successive days from August 12.

When did the shut-down start?

The shut-down was initiated from 6 am and would go on till 6 pm. Security has been increased in many parts of the state including Bangalore owing to the shut-down. Bangalore police have appealed to the public to keep peace and cooperate with law and order.

What will remain open?

Despite the statewide shutdown, essential services are unlikely to be affected. Hospitals, pharmacies, and other essential medical services will remain open, according to reports. Banking services are also unlikely to be affected by the shutdown. Regarding public transportation, Bengaluru police have stated that buses and other general transport services are expected to operate. However, traffic may be disrupted in some areas due to demonstrations by shutdown supporters or local conditions.

Will schools and colleges remain open?

Karnataka Associated Management of Schools (KAMS) has stated that schools will run as usual despite the total shutdown of the state. Initially, KAMS had demanded closure of schools but retracted the same. The organization cited disruption of education and programs of the students if schools are closed. However, KAMS promised to offer moral support to the shutdown. Reports indicate that black bands or ribbons are expected from school management, teachers, and non-teaching staff.

What about offices?

According to Bengaluru Police, schools, colleges, offices, shops, and commercial establishments in the city are expected to remain open as usual. Public transport and other normal activities are also expected to continue. However, localized closures may occur in some markets and commercial areas due to protests by organizations calling for the shutdown. Therefore, the situation may vary from area to area.

Why was Karnataka bandh called?

Karnataka will have to supply 12,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu according to an order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority. Some farmers in Karnataka and other organizations of Kannada language are opposing this decision because, as they say, the state is facing scarcity of water and also the need for farmers. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar says that the responsibility of the state government is to safeguard the interests of farmers. He also stated that the government must comply with court orders and relevant directives. He indicated that the government will make further decisions after assessing the situation.