Bengaluru, 13 August (H.S.):

A Karnataka bandh has been called for Thursday to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and press for the construction of a reservoir at Mekedatu. However, uncertainty surrounds its impact after several organisations withdrew their support.

The bandh was called by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj amid renewed tensions over sharing Cauvery water. The Cauvery Water Management Authority had last month directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cubic feet of water per second to Tamil Nadu following inadequate monsoon rainfall in July.

Although inflows subsequently improved and the Kabini, Harangi and Hemavathi reservoirs approached full capacity, the dispute intensified after the authority reportedly directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu. Kannada organisations, farmers' groups and political leaders opposed the order.

Vatal Nagaraj said the bandh would proceed regardless of the support extended by other organisations. Police arrested him on Wednesday while he was protesting at the Majestic bus station after appealing to shopping malls, hotels and commercial establishments in Bengaluru to remain closed.

Nevertheless, the bandh is unlikely to receive the widespread backing initially anticipated. Kannada organisation leaders Sa Ra Govindu, Praveen Shetty and Shivarame Gowda have announced that they will not support a complete shutdown. Taxi and autorickshaw drivers' associations have also withdrawn their support.

Private school associations have said their institutions, including those in Bengaluru, will function normally. Several organisations that supported the statewide bandh on July 31 have also decided not to participate this time.

With transport associations distancing themselves from the protest, government buses, taxis and autorickshaws are expected to operate, though disruptions may occur in some areas. Shops and commercial establishments are also likely to remain open unless local protests force temporary closures.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and ministers Priyank Kharge and Balakrishna appealed to the Kannada groups to withdraw the bandh and allow the government to pursue appropriate legal remedies in the Cauvery dispute.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman