Bengaluru, Aug 10 (PTI) Kannada activist Vatal Nagraj on Monday asserted that the Karnataka bandh called for August 13 would be held as scheduled, amid reports of differences among various organisations over going ahead with the shutdown against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu.
Several pro-Kannada outfits and activists are reportedly of the view that it would not be appropriate to observe a bandh in the current situation, and are planning to meet soon to decide on the future course of action, sources said.
However, Nagaraj maitained that the bandh has received widespread support across the state. “From Belagavi to Chamarajanagara and from Mangaluru to Kolar over 2,000 organisations have supported the bandh in the interest of the state. Students have also extended support.” Speaking to reporters here, he said, “No one has said no to the bandh, everyone is supporting. There is no division among us (Kannada organisations and activists).” Pro-Kannada outfits on July 31 announced a bandh across the state. The announcement was made by Nagaraj following a meeting convened by various organisations under his leadership in Bengaluru.
The announcement was made following the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upholding the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) earlier order to Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Citing poor storage in its reservoirs, Karnataka had initially maintained its inability to release water to the neighbouring State. However, following subsequent heavy rainfall in Karnataka’s catchment regions, the state began releasing Cauvery water.
Bangalore Hotels Association on Monday said they will extend moral support to the bandh. Later, they also appealed to the pro-Kannada organizations to withdraw the Karnataka bandh call, citing various reasons, including, state receiving rainfall.
“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,” Bangalore Hotels Association said in a release Pointing out that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has already convened an all-party meeting and stated that necessary steps would be taken regarding the issue, the Association said he has also expressed the view that there is no need to call for a bandh.
“There are also court guidelines against calling for a bandh. Fortunately, it is a matter of happiness that the state is receiving rainfall, thanks to the grace of Lord Varuna,” the Association said.
Meanwhile, a group of Kannada activists led by Nagaraj staged a protest near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border in Attibele, protesting against the neighbouring state’s opposition to the Mekedatu project.
As they tried to block the highway, police detained Nagaraj and others.
Speaking to reporters, Nagaraj questioned Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the Mekedatu project.
Warning that Bengaluru could face a water crisis if the Mekedatu project was not implemented, he asked the city’s citizens not to take the matter lightly. “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?” he asked.
Mekedatu is a multi-purpose project (drinking water and power) proposed by Karnataka, which involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district. Tamil Nadu has opposed the project, expressing concern over its impact on the state’s water availability. PTI KSU ROH
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.