Karnataka Bandh:CWMA endorses CWRC order, many detained

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) held its 25th meeting on Friday,September 29, 2023, ordering the release of 3000 cusecs of water, along with the backlog of 12.5 TMC, to Tamil Nadu till October 15, 2023. Tamil Nadu had insisted for the release of 12500 cusecs of water to save its crops. However, Karnataka requested CWMA to consider the prevailing shortages in 4 of its reservoirs, which would be insufficient to meet its requirement for irrigation and drinking water needs. It therefore requested that the authority review the directions of Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to release 3000 Cusecs from 29.9.23 for 15 days to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka government on Friday held consultations with retired Supreme Court judges, advocate generals to consider the next course of action on Cauvery issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said after the order.
Meanwhile, the dawn-to-dusk protest affected normal life as transport services, hotels and restaurants and other facilities remained shut across the state. Several protest rallies took place in different parts of the state, including Bengaluru. All educational institutions in Bengaluru and Mandya districts remain closed and restrictions under section 144 have been imposed in the city.All shops, malls, and other commercial establishments remain closed in the state. Hotels, restaurants, and film theatres are not functioning, along with auto and taxi services.The pro-Kannada organisations blocked highways and toll gates as well.

VIDEO | Karnataka Bandh: Inter-state traffic at Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border affected amid protests by pro-Kannada outfits over Cauvery issue.#KarnatakaBandh pic.twitter.com/CHn0aL9yxo

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 29, 2023

According to information, Banks, hospitals, and pharmacies were functioning, and government offices were also working. Protests over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu intensified after the Supreme Court refused to intervene in the decisions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority(CWMA) and its assisting body Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) that directed the state to do so.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj detained by the Town Hall Police during the Karnataka Bandh protest pic.twitter.com/h7t20O0AgK

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "Karnataka bandh is totally peaceful...All the people are cooperating. We have given full protection to everyone. We requested the institutions not to call for a bandh since there is no consent from the Supreme Court or High Court. So, Bengaluru and Karnataka are safe...In the afternoon there is a meeting, I have sent our team there...We will discuss various issues..." On the other hand, members of farmers' association in Karnataka's Mandya hold 'Rail Roko' protest over the Cauvery water sharing issue.

#WATCH | Members of farmers' association in Karnataka's Mandya hold 'Rail Roko' protest over the Cauvery water sharing issue. pic.twitter.com/HQEqTmdBHG

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023

According to airport authorities, the 44 flights are cancelled due to operational issues on Friday.The Bengaluru Police has detained over 200 protestors from pro-Kannada organisations from various parts including the airport and near Attibele situated at the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, according to DCP central division Shekhar T. Section 144 has been imposed in the city till Saturday 12 am in view of over 2,000 pro-Kannada groups in protest against releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. 

(Dr Mysi Patil, State Correspondent)