Kaveri Bandh on 9 Sept: Services Likely to be Hit in Karnataka

The bandh is likely to be near total in Mandya, Mysuru and Bengaluru districts, with only emergency services open.

Several parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, are likely to face a complete shut down on Friday over the Kaveri dispute, as various services will be unavailable between 6am and 6pm.

A call for a bandh was given following the Supreme Court’s order asking Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of Kaveri water everyday to Tamil Nadu for ten days.

The bandh is likely to be near total in Mandya, Mysuru and Bengaluru districts.

Manjunath Shastry, general secretary of Karnataka Government Bus Drivers Association said that over 800 unions have extended support.

Bengaluru is likely to observe a near complete shut down. Emergency services – medical shops and hospitals – will function.  Milk supply, vegetables and fruit markets will mostly remain open.

But most transport services – government buses and auto rickshaws, banks, government offices, recreational establishments – are likely to be closed between 6am and 6pm.

Many private schools have declared a holiday and some private companies are also expected to remain closed.

Kannada Film Industry Lends Support to Bandh

Sa Ra Govindu, President of Karnataka Film Chamber Association said that no new film would release in theatres on Friday.

“Sandalwood film industry has also extended support. Shooting schedules for 9 September will be cancelled,” Govindu said.

Lawyers, petrol bunk owners and banks have also extended support. Some private taxi drivers will also stay off roads as safety will be a concern, said Govindu.

Sources say that cable operators might block Tamil channels on Friday.

D Shashi Kumar, Organising Secretary of the Karnataka State Private Schools Managements’ Federation told The News Minute that all private schools in the state have declared a holiday.

“However, all schools have been asked to have full day classes on Saturday for four weeks. We are mulling over cutting short Dasara break, but it has not been decided yet,” said Shashi Kumar.