The Karnataka capital is witnessing a city-wide bandh today in protest of the release of Cauvery water to neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Protestors are expected to come in from several quarters including opposition parties and pro-Kannada groups
A group of Tamil Nadu farmers in Tiruchirappalli hold dead rats in their mouths to protest against the Karnataka government while demanding the release of Cauvery water to the state from Karnataka. Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike stage a protest in Ramanagara over the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. A wider bandh across the state has been called on Friday. The Cauvery river water dispute between the two southern states has been going on for decades. The issue flared up recently after an order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) asking Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. This was not warmly received by the former. It has been maintaining for several days that there is no water to release amid a drought-like situation.
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Cauvery Water Dispute Triggers Protests and Bandh in Karnataka
Farmers and activist groups have therefore been protesting the release of water in Mandya, Udupi, Bengaluru and several other places.
Auto drivers, KSRTC, BMTC and other transport corporations had extended support to the bandh call today, however, all operations are expected to run as per usual. Meanwhile, schools, colleges and other educational institutions are expected to be closed.
Historical Origins
The roots of the Cauvery water dispute can be traced back to colonial-era agreements. It was when the British established the Princely State of Mysore, which later became Karnataka. These agreements attempted to allocate water from the Cauvery River. It originates in Karnataka, flows through Tamil Nadu, and ultimately reaches the Bay of Bengal.
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