In response to a bandh called by pro-Kannada organizations, farmer unions, and several other groups regarding the contentious Cauvery water issue, the district administration of Mandya in Karnataka has imposed Section 144 on September 28. This decision was announced by Mandya DC Dr. Kumar, who stated, “In view of the bandh called by pro-Kannada organizations, farmer unions, and several other organizations tomorrow regarding Cauvery water issue, Section 144 has been imposed in Mandya district, and schools and colleges will remain closed tomorrow.”
The call for the statewide bandh on September 29 was initially made following the successful Bengaluru shutdown organized by the ‘Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti,’ an umbrella outfit of farmers’ associations and other organizations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar. This move gained momentum when ‘Kannada Okkuta,’ led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, also announced its support for the bandh.
It is noteworthy that both groups are advocating for the same cause, which is related to the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. However, Vatal Nagaraj clarified that the bandh he called for was not limited to Bengaluru but aimed to be an “Akhanda Karnataka bandh” (entire Karnataka bandh) on September 29, encompassing all districts. He emphasized that their fight was for the entire state of Karnataka, and Kannada Okkuta had previously organized more than 50 bandhs across the state.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the government would not curtail the “Bengaluru bandh” organized by some farmers’ organizations on September 28. He urged for the maintenance of peace during these protests and affirmed that his government would present its case more forcefully before the Supreme Court regarding the release of Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu.
Siddaramaiah further highlighted that Karnataka would challenge the directive of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to release water to Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court. The ongoing protests in Karnataka stem from a September 21 Supreme Court order mandating Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu daily.
Officials in Karnataka have pointed out that the state is facing a severe water shortage due to a shortfall in cumulative inflows to its four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin, which hold only 53.04 percent of their capacity. The situation has been exacerbated by a deficient southwest monsoon and historically low rainfall in August and September, making it difficult for the state to meet even its drinking water requirements.
The Cauvery water dispute remains a longstanding issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the recent developments reflect the ongoing tensions and protests surrounding this sensitive matter.
