Karnataka is observing a day-long bandh on August 13 to protest a central water authority's order to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days starting August 12. Essential services including schools, banks, and hospitals will remain open during the shutdown, according to reports.
Bengaluru City Police have appealed for calm and cooperation, saying they fully respect citizens' democratic right to protest peacefully within the law. The appeal comes as the city braces for the bandh called by various organisations.
Meanwhile, more organisations are still deliberating whether to extend support to the bandh call. Clarity on whether hotels, cabs, autos, and shops will operate is expected by the evening of August 12.
The bandh is in response to the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directive, which has sparked anger in Karnataka over the sharing of river water with neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Authorities have not reported any major incidents so far.