Karnataka Bandh Today, August 13: Are Schools And Banks Open? Amid Protest, IMD Warns Of Heavy Rains

Karnataka Bandh Today: Banks, schools, colleges, and offices are expected to remain fully functional on August 13 in Karnataka despite the call for a statewide bandh from 6 am to 6 pm on Thursday. Vatal Nagaraj, convener of the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha, has appealed to everyone to join the protest. However, amidst the protest, IMD has also issued a heavy rains warning in the state while assigning yellow alerts in some places.

Karnataka Bandh Today, August 13: Are Schools and Colleges Open?

Yes, schools and colleges are expected to run normally after school federations such as RUPSA and Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) have withdrawn support from the protest.

RUPSA President Halanur Lepakshi reportedly stated that there is no requirement for a bandh in Karnataka, as this monsoon rainfall is good. He added that reservoirs have been filled, and hence his position is that there is no need for a Karnataka bandh as of now.

Meanwhile, KAMS stated that the academic activities are already impacted due to the shortage of teachers, as some are deputed for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Hence, the shutdown would impact government-aided schools. However, they have extended moral and peaceful support to the bandh.

KAMs has suggested schools to educate students of class 5th to 12th about the Cauvery dispute.

Karnataka Bandh Today: Are Banks Open Or Closed?

Banks in Karnataka and other offices will remain open on August 13. However, commuters could face disruption such as traffic jams and delays to locations where the protest is moving.

Why Is Karnataka Bandh Today?

The Karnataka Bandh movement is called by activist Vatal Nagaraj, and he has appealed to at least over 2,000 pro-Kannada organizations to join the protest on August 13. The major reason to call out for complete closure of Karnataka is the Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu.

The protest is against the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) direction to Karnataka for releasing up to12,000 cusecs of water every day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, with effect from August 12, 2026.

Also, Nagaraj told media that the Karnataka bandh movement is not limited to just the Cauvery River but also sheds light on all major irrigation and development issues in the state. He pointed out towards projects Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri, alleging that they will impact water storage and lives of people, especially Bengaluru.

For instance, Tamil Nadu has opposed the Mekedatu project, which is proposed by Karnataka. The Mekedatu project aims at meeting drinking water requirements and water storage for Bengaluru and surrounding areas. It is also aimed at generating 400 MW of hydroelectric power and regulated release of water to Tamil Nadu.

Nagaraj said, "If there's no Mekedatu, Bengaluru will face a drinking water shortage in the future. What will the people of Bengaluru do? Bengaluru includes people speaking Tamil and other languages. What would you do without water?"

Who Is Joining Karnataka Bandh On August 13?

1. Federation of Kannada organizations led by Vatal Nagaraj

2. Ideal Auto Organization

3. Confusion in Peace Auto organization

4. Raj Kumar Fan Club.

Who Is Not Joining The Karnataka Bandh?

1. Shivaramegowda faction.

2. Karavey Narayana Gowda faction

3. Federation of State Farmers' Organizations.

4. Hotels Associations

4. Private Transport Union

5. KSRTC, BMTC, Metro

6. Auto Organizations

7. Private Schools Association Like RUPSA, KAMS

Karnataka Weather Today, August 13

For coastal regions in Karnataka, IMD has issued a warning of heavy rains with sustained wind (30-40 Kmph) likely to occur at one or two places over Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. While it predicts light to moderate rain with sustained wind (30-40 Kmph) to occur at most places over the Dakshina Kannada district.

For the north interior of Karnataka, IMD forecasts light to moderate rains with sustained winds of 40-50 kmph likely to occur at a few places over Bidar, Kalaburgi, Vijayapura, Gadag, Haveri, Dharwad, Belagavi, Koppal, Bagalkot, Raichur and Yadgir districts.

In regions of south interior, IMD forecasts heavy rains with 40-50 Kmph wind in places like Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. However, light to moderate rains could be recorded in Ballari, Bengaluru (Rural), Bengaluru (Urban), Chamarajanagara, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Hassan, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Tumakuru and Vijayanagara districts.

IMD has issued a yellow alert for places like Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Udupi.

Bengaluru Weather Today:

In Bengaluru, IMD predicts a partly cloudy sky becoming a generally cloudy sky towards evening. Light to Moderate rain very likely in some areas. Sustained wind with wind speed 30-40 kmph likely. Maximum and Minimum temperature likely to be around 30°C and 20°C respectively.