Bengaluru is bracing itself for two separate Bandhs this week, both stemming from the ongoing dispute over the contentious Cauvery water issue. The city’s normal routine could be disrupted as various protesting groups, with differing viewpoints, have called for shutdowns on Tuesday and Friday respectively. The conflict arises from the prolonged and heated debate over the distribution of Cauvery river’s water between Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Stay tuned for more updates on how these Bandhs might impact your daily life The bandhs are also expected to impact the city’s education sector, with many schools and colleges likely to remain closed Parents are concerned about the loss of academic days and the safety of their children
In the wake of escalating tensions over the Cauvery water dispute, Bengaluru is bracing for a double blow with two bandhs scheduled for this week. The first will take place on Tuesday, followed by another on Friday, marking an unprecedented situation in the city’s recent history The first bandh, called for by pro-Kannada outfits, is aimed at protesting against the Supreme Court’s order directing Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. The second bandh has been called by some farmer groups, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention in the water disputeWith most IT companies operating on strict project timelines, even a single day’s disruption can cause significant delays. The ripple effect of these bandhs could be felt across the global IT supply chain,” said industry expert, Ravi Sharma
However, this dual call for shutdowns has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the city’s business community and the general public. The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) expressed concerns over the economic impact of the bandhs Such frequent bandhs adversely affect the state’s economy. There is a loss of production, revenue and wages. Moreover it also tarnishes the image of the state,” said FKCCI President, Sudhakar ShettyBengaluru, known as the IT hub of India, stands to lose heavily due to these bandhs. The city’s IT sector, which contributes to over 38% of India’s total IT exports, is likely to face significant disruption
While the Cauvery dispute has been a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, such frequent bandhs are a new development. It remains to be seen how the state government will address this issue, even as the common man bears the brunt of the shutdowns The Cauvery water dispute, which dates back to the British era, has flared up in recent years due to increased agricultural demand and shrinking water resources. Both states claim rights to the river water, leading to protracted legal battles and occasional violence Various organisations in Bengaluru have called for a bandh on September 26 to protest against the Karnataka government’s decision to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The bandh is expected to have a major impact on the city, as it is home to a large number of IT companies and other businesses
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Both states claim rights to the water from the Cauvery river, which flows through both states. The dispute has been a source of tension and conflict between the two states for many years The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Both states claim rights to the water from the Cauvery river, which flows through both states. The dispute has been a source of tension and conflict between the two states for many years Driver unions, including those representing app-based auto rickshaws and cabs, have agreed to join the bandh, which is expected to disrupt daily life in Bengaluru
Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association, acknowledged the company’s involvement in the bandh in Bengaluru. The bandh is also expected to have an impact on airport taxisThe Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will continue to operate Namma Metro as usual, but the state-run KSRTC and BMTC will make a decision after assessing the peace and order situationMany companies, particularly small and local ones, are likely to remain closed in support of the bandh. The bandh has received moral backing from PC Rao, head of the Bruhath Bangalore Hotels AssociationBengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda stated that all required security procedures and measures are being implemented. Officers are on high alert for incidents like stone pelting on any Tamil Nadu-registered buses or private automobiles, particularly near the border