Karnataka, Bengaluru Bandh On August 13: Banks, Buses, Schools, Metros; Who Is Joining Vatal Nagraj's Andolan?

Pro-Kannada activist senior Vatal Nagraj has called for a complete shutdown of Karnataka on August 13 due to the Cauvery River water supply issue to Tamil Nadu. He told media that it is not limited to just the Cauvery River but also sheds light on all major irrigation and development issues in the state. While he has confidently said that all organizations are supporting the "Karnataka Bandh" movement on Thursday, there are several organizations that have backed out from the upcoming protest. This has brought the question of how the Karnataka Bandh will impact the state, its citizens, and especially the silicon capital, Bengaluru.

Whether schools, colleges, banks, markets, shops, metro services, and buses will be closed or operate as normal. Here's a breakdown of the impact and what is open and closed on August 13.

Why Karnataka Bandh On August 13?

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 activist and his supporters have opposed the direct release of water to Tamil Nadu by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). Also, they have expressed agitation towards projects like Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri, alleging that they will impact water storage and lives of people, especially Bengaluru.

The CWMA upheld the earlier order to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) that allowed Karnataka to release up to 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

Speaking to reporters, Nagaraj said, "No one has said no to the bandh; everyone is supporting. There is no division among us (Kannada organizations and activists)." He added, "From Belagavi to Chamarajanagara and from Mangaluru to Kolar, over 2,000 organizations have supported the bandh in the interest of the state. Students have also extended support."

Nagaraj is also protesting against Tamil Nadu's opposition to 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. However, Tamil Nadu has argued that no new dam or storage project should be constructed across the Cauvery without the consent of other sharing basin states, which are TN, Kerala, and Puducherry.

Nagaraj argues that Bengaluru may suffer a water crisis if the Mekedatu project is not implemented. Emphasizing that the matter should not be taken lightly, he 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.

Moral Support To Karnataka Bandh On August 13?

The Bangalore Hotels Association has offered moral support but would not participate in the protest.

In a release, the BHA said, "Some pro-Kannada organizations have called for a Karnataka bandh on August 13. As entrepreneurs, we are completely committed to Karnataka and Kannada when it comes to land, water, and language. However, since the hotel industry comes under essential services, we will extend our moral support to the Karnataka bandh."

A similar moral support is offered by the Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS). It has withdrawn its support for the complete shutdown of Karnataka on August 13, and hence, schools and colleges will remain open on Thursday.

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.

Travel associations have also extended moral support to the bandh.

Who Is Not Joining The Karnataka Bandh?

The list is vast!

1. Shivaramegowda faction.

2. Karavey Narayana Gowda faction

3. Federation of State Farmers' Organizations.

4. Private Transport Union

5. KSRTC, BMTC, Metro

6. Auto Organizations

7. Private Schools Association Like RUPSA, KAMS

The Impact Of Karnataka Bandh?

Since the majority of organizations, such as hoteliers, schools, banks, and transport service providers, are not joining the bandh, the impact is limited.

Nagaraj has warned hotel owners in both Bengaluru and Mysuru to keep their services closed on August 13. He has threatened to close the Kempegowda International Airport and not allow Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Joseph's visits to Karnataka.

However, commuters could face disruption such as traffic jams and delays to locations where the protest is moving.

What Is Open on Karnataka Bandh?

Schools, banks, bus services, metro services, offices and market is expected to be operating as normal. However, it is advised to take precautions by updates from local authorities, police, school boards and other people in-charge of order.