Karnataka Bandh: Flights, Public Transport Hit Due To Cauvery Protests

The dispute over Cauvery River water has been ongoing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades now. It has now grabbed the headlines as farmers from both states have taken to the streets demanding a “fair share” of the river water. Normal life has been disrupted in Bengaluru as the pro-Kannada organisation called for a bandh on September 26.

On September 21, when the Supreme Court denied intervening in the matter and upheld the directive of the Cauvery Water Management Authority that instructed the Karnataka government to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu in 15 days which led to the pro-Kannada organisation calling for the bandh.

Karnataka Bandh Over Cauvery River Issue

The blanket organisation called "Kannada Okkuta" announced the state-wide bandh to oppose the Karnataka government’s order to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The pro-Kannada organisation has called for the bandh after the Cauvery Regulatory Committee (CWRC) ordered the release of 3000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

The Karnataka Police have detained over 50 people from pro-Kannada organisations for protesting over the Cauvery River water dispute near Bengaluru to uphold law and order amidst the state-wide bandh. Protesters in Chikkamangalur entered petrol bunks, burned bikes, and burned the effigy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. In Mandya, protesters rolled on the roads. The detained protesters were taken to Freedom Park.

44 flights that were scheduled to take off and land at Kempgowda International Airport on September 29 have been cancelled; 22 were incoming and 22 were outgoing. Airport authorities informed the passengers beforehand, and sources stated that terminations happened as many passengers cancelled their tickets because of the bandh.

The bandh will be effective from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Bengaluru City police have issued Section 144, not allowing people to hold protests, rallies, or congregations of more than five people. However, pro-Kannada organisations are likely to hit the street. More than 1900 organisations are supporting the bandh.

Grocery shops and non-essential shops in the state are expected to remain closed. Only essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies will be operational.

KSRTC and BMTC buses will operate based on the situation across the state. Interstate operations will be held off until tomorrow, although it may change depending on the situation.

Cab companies such as OLA and Uber have extended their support to the Bandh and are expected to participate in the rally. Autos will also be called off the roads. The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association, representing 32 transport unions, will also provide moral support to the bandh.

Metro trains will operate, but authorities have tightened security. Schools and colleges in Bengaluru have announced a holiday.

The Karnataka Hotel Owners Association has decided to shut down their operation across the state. The Karnataka Film Exhibitor Association said they will not screen any movies until 6 p.m. across the state.

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