Karnataka state comes to a standstill amidst water crisis

BENGALURU: Life in Karnataka, located in southern India, was significantly disrupted as the state observed a shutdown on Friday, in protest of the water release from the Cauvery River to neighboring Tamil Nadu.

The shutdown had a substantial impact on transportation and air services throughout the region. Authorities reported the cancellation of 44 flights to and from the Bengaluru International Airport.

Due to the ongoing situation, educational institutions also remained closed, and additional police forces were deployed across the state to ensure law and order.

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Protests against the Cauvery water issue led to the detention of members of farmer organizations in Bengaluru, the state capital.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar assured reporters that the shutdown was peaceful, with no untoward incidents reported anywhere in the state. He emphasised the cooperation of the people and the protection provided to all.

Farmers were demanding a halt to the release of water, citing the prevailing drought conditions in the state.

The shutdown was called for by farmers who disagreed with the Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene in the implementation of water-sharing agreements between the two states, as well as decisions made by the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.

According to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, Karnataka was permitted to release 3,000 cusecs (equivalent to 85 cubic meters/second) of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from September 28 to October 15.

Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have asserted their rights to significant portions of water to meet their agricultural and irrigation requirements.