Karnataka Bandh : Shivakumar seeks ‘New Formula’...?
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Today, karnataka experienced a state-wide bandh after a number of pro-Kannada groups and farmers' organisations demanded a 12-hour strike in opposition to the transfer of Cauvery water from the river to tamil Nadu. The bandh, that was mostly quiet but had significant effects, temporarily halted state operations. The decision taken by the government to release Cauvery water to tamil Nadu was opposed by the bandh, which was called in protest of the ongoing water crisis in Karnataka. The release of water to tamil Nadu, according to the protesters, would make the water shortage that Karnataka's farmers were already experiencing worse.
Shops, businesses, colleges and universities, and public transport were shut down in major karnataka cities and towns like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru. Although cautiously, some private cars and cabs continued to run on the roads while buses stayed off them. When those protesting went on the streets, they blocked several roads and highways and interfered with traffic. Groups of protestors staged demonstrations in some locations while carrying signs and placards that expressed their displeasure with the Cauvery water release.
But Karnataka's deputy chief minister, DK Shivakumar, assured the populace that the state's interests were actively being protected and that measures had been taken to make sure the bandh did not cause undue hardships. He said that the bandh had been peaceful, and that many stores and businesses had resumed operations across the country. One of the protesters' and pro-Kannada groups' main demands was for the Cauvery Management Authority (CWMA) to come up with a new water-sharing plan with tamil Nadu, particularly in years with insufficient rainfall. DK Shivakumar, who is also in charge of irrigation, said there were talks going on in this area.
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