Bengaluru Bandh: On Tuesday, a bandh was declared in Bengaluru to protest Karnataka’s release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The ‘Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti,’ an umbrella organisation of farmers’ associations and other organisations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar, has declared the bandh.
The Cauvery River’s Contentious Water Sharing History
For decades, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been at odds over who should share the Cauvery River’s water. The Supreme Court recently rejected the Karnataka government’s plea challenging a Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) judgement requiring Karnataka to deliver 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days beginning September 13.
Karnataka’s Water Dilemma
The Karnataka government has stated that it is unable to deliver the water due to its own drinking water and irrigation needs. In the aftermath of the bandh, Bengaluru Police implemented Section 144 of the CrPC from midnight Monday to midnight Tuesday. Furthermore, the police have not granted authorization for processions in the city today. “No one can forcefully implement the bandh by using force, except in the case where someone wants to observe it voluntarily,” according to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. In addition, approximately 100 platoons will be deployed to protect the city.
Bengaluru’s Education Break, Metro Resilience, and Border Checks
In the aftermath of the bandh, Bengaluru Urban District Deputy Commissioner Dayananda K A proclaimed a vacation for all schools and colleges in the city on Tuesday. Most private schools and institutions in the city have already proclaimed Monday a holiday for pupils. Bengaluru’s metro services are unlikely to be affected by the bandh call and would continue to operate normally. According to Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) officials, the bandh will not have a significant impact on city bus services. Furthermore, buses entering Tamil Nadu are checked at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
Mixed Reactions Among Transport and Hospitality Sectors on Bengaluru Bandh
Ola-Uber services will be available as usual on Tuesday. They do not support Tuesday’s bandh, according to their association. However, vehicle and taxi associations and unions have backed the bandh on Tuesday. The Hotel Owners’ Association has likewise chosen to withdraw its support for the bandh, citing misunderstanding, and has stated that all hotels and restaurants would remain open tomorrow.
Bengaluru Airport and Airlines Brace for Bandh
The Bengaluru airport has issued an advice advising passengers to “plan their journeys accordingly” in light of the Bengaluru bandh. Furthermore, Indigo Airlines has advised that travellers allow enough time to drive to the airport. “Travel time to Bengaluru airport may take longer than normal due to Bandh declared in Bengaluru. We recommend arriving at least 2.5 hrs before domestic and 3.5 hrs before international departures,” Indigo said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Political Support and Calls for Unity Ahead of Bengaluru Bandh
The BJP, Karnataka’s main opposition party, has pledged its support for Tuesday’s bandh. “On the Cauvery water dispute, we have had detailed discussions and come to a certain decision,” senior politician BS Yediyurappa said on Monday. The Bengaluru bandh should go off without a hitch tomorrow.” “I appeal to hotel and shop owners and organisations to shut their establishments tomorrow, without giving any different statements — for the sake of maintaining peace and order and in support of Bengaluru’s cause,” he added.
Karnataka Congress Allows Protests Amidst Bandh
The Karnataka Congress administration has opted not to put a stop to the protests. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that his government will not stop the protests and has emphasised the necessity of keeping calm during the bandh.
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