Karnataka Bandh on September 29: Pro-Kannada organizations have called for another statewide shutdown amid the ongoing Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Friday.

The bandh has been organized by the ‘Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti,’ a coalition of farmers’ associations and other organizations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar. This is in response to the Supreme Court’s order to release 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from the river to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days.

Also read: Karnataka Bandh live updates

This marks the second bandh within a week, which will be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm. The first bandh took place on Tuesday (September 26).

What’s open and what’s closed?

Schools and colleges will remain closed, as declared by Bengaluru’s Deputy Commissioner, Dayananda K A.

Also read:Karnataka Bandh tomorrow: Will all schools, colleges remain closed? What we know – details inside

An office bearer of the Karnataka State Private Schools’ Association has advised their association members to use their discretion regarding the bandh, and they have informed students that schools may remain closed.

Bangalore University has postponed its 58th annual convocation, which was scheduled for September 29 due to the Cauvery water dispute. Additionally, other public spaces like malls, theatres, food outlets, and hotels have decided to support the bandh and remain closed, meanwhile, hospitals, government offices and banks will remain operational.

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App-based cabs and auto-rickshaw services: Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union and Ola-Uber Drivers and Owners’ Association (OUDOA) have extended their support. OUDOA president Tanveer Pasha has declared a rally from Nayandahalli to Freedom Park on September 30, further complicating commuting for residents.

KSRTC, BMTC and private buses: The State Transport Department has directed state transport corporations to continue their services as usual.

The operation of KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses will depend on the prevailing situation in each area.

According to an official from KSRTC, the decision regarding bus services would be made after assessing the on-ground conditions. However, the official also noted that the number of buses in operation on Friday would be reduced, as reported by the Indian Express.

Regarding inter-state bus operations, the official mentioned that buses going towards Tamil Nadu may not operate on Friday. However, this status could change depending on the evolving situation and circumstances.

The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association, representing 32 private transport unions, announced their moral support for the Karnataka bandh. The association has directed transport operators and owners to make individual decisions regarding operations during the bandh.

Airlines: Flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport are expected to continue as usual. However, the airport authorities have issued an advisory in anticipation of potential disruptions in transport services due to the Karnataka bandh.

Passengers have been advised to pre-plan their travel from the airport accordingly. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to stay informed by following alerts from their respective airlines, law enforcement agencies, and media releases for any further updates.

Opposition extends support

The opposition parties in the state – BJP and Janata Dal (S) – have extended their support to the bandh.

A few activists in the Cauvery heartland of Mandya staged protests on Thursday against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. They have been conducting these protests for the past 15 days, alleging the state government of being lenient towards Tamil Nadu and not looking at the matter properly.

Protesters take to streets across the state

Pro-Kannada outfits, farmer groups and other organisations gathered to protest at Townhall in Bengaluru and were later detained and sent to Freedom Park by the police. A total of 100 platoons are deployed in Bengaluru for bandobast. According to DCP central division Shekhar T, more than 200 people, including pro-Kannada outfit members, have been booked for protesting over the Cauvery water dispute.

Vatal Nagaraj, head of the organisation, stated that the shutdown is being observed from Belagavi or Bidar to Chamarajanagar and from Mangaluru to Kolar, with more than 1,900 pro-Kannada and other associations supporting the bandh called by Kannada Okkuta.

(With inputs from PTI)