Bengaluru is getting ready for a big protest and citywide shutdown on September 26 called the “Bengaluru Bandh.” This is because people are very upset about the Karnataka government’s decision to send Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. This move has made a lot of people in the state very angry.
The reason for this shutdown is a recent order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). They told Karnataka to keep sending 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 more days. This order came after a suggestion from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), as reported by Times Now.
The Karnataka government said they will make the final decision about sharing Cauvery river water with Tamil Nadu during a meeting of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on September 26. So, people who support the Kannada language and local farmers have decided to call for a citywide shutdown on the same day to protest this decision.
The person who started the shutdown idea is Kurubur Shanthakumar, the head of the Karnataka Water Conservation Committee. Shanthakumar asked schools, IT companies, and the film industry to stop working on September 26 in support of the shutdown. He also wants the government to have a special meeting to talk about the Cauvery water problem.
This shutdown will have a big impact and affect many important services:
Services Expected to Be Affected:
KSRTC and BMTC Buses: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Staff and Workers Federation support the ‘Bengaluru Bandh,’ which might affect both KSRTC and BMTC bus services.
Private Cab Services: Ola and Uber drivers have also announced their support for the bandh and will not provide rides on Tuesday.
Schools and Colleges: While some private schools will show their support by wearing black bands, many schools and colleges have not decided yet if they will be open or closed.
Restaurants and Businesses: Hotels and restaurants will stay closed on Tuesday, and they are asking other restaurants in the city to do the same.
Services Expected to Run Normally:
Namma Metro: Metro trains will continue to run without any disruptions in Bengaluru.
Emergency Services: Ambulances and other emergency vehicles will keep working. Hospitals and medical stores will also remain open.
It’s important to mention that more than 175 organizations in the state are supporting the bandh and standing with farmer groups who are against sending Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
The ‘Bengaluru Bandh’ shows how people in Karnataka are frustrated with the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. It’s a way for them to express their concerns and demand a fair solution.
