Karnataka bandh today over Cauvery water dispute: What is open and what is closed?

Karnataka is observing a one-day statewide bandh today in protest against the Cauvery water issue. Led by Karnataka Okkuta state president Vatal Nagaraj and various pro-Kannada groups, the bandh urges the state government not to release water. However, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, represented by its president Praveen Shetty, has stated it will not support the bandh and will continue its own protest while demanding Vatal Nagaraj step back.

The bandh has been issued following the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's order directing the release of 12,000 cusecs of water for 15 days, totaling approximately 16 TMC. The Cauvery Water Management Authority later upheld this order. Tamil Nadu recently moved the Supreme Court with a writ petition regarding the matter.

Despite the bandh call, schools, banks, hospitals, pharmacies, and public transport are expected to operate normally across Karnataka. The Bengaluru City Police have appealed for calm and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of respecting citizens' daily routines. Several organizations have called for the bandh, while others have informed the police they are not supporting it.

Union minister H D Kumaraswamy warned against treating the Cauvery matter lightly, given Karnataka's current water scarcity and the need to ensure Bengaluru's drinking water security. He urged the state government to consult legal experts promptly and present its case before relevant authorities.