CHENNAI: Shops in the city remained shut on Thursdays morning in solidarity with the opposition partys' call for a State wide shut down demanding the setting up the Cauvery Management Board.
Buses also operated at half fleet, with the DMK and CITU trade union members not turning up for duty.
However suburban and metro train services remain unaffected.
The city's main artery, Anna Salai, is expected to be blocked with With DMK working president MK Stalin, VCK supremo Thirumavalan and State president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee scheduled to lead protests there.
The districts in state's delta region witnessed a more comprehensive shutdown. Very few buses plied routes in Nagapattinam, Salem, Cuddalore and Villupuram.
Share autos and private buses also extended solidarity to the one-day shutdown.
The DMK which had called for the complete shut-down, also staged rail-rokos in Tirunelveli and Tiruchy District.
Sporadic incidents of stone pelting on a government bus bus was also reported.
However, the bus services were not greatly affected in Western region of the state, especially in districts like Coimbatore and Dharmapuri.
Massive protest by opposition
The Opposition parties lead a massive protest march led by DMK working president MK Stalin from Walajah Road to Marina.
Flocked by more than 5000 supporters, Stalin,VCK president Thirumavalavan and State Congress President, S Thirunavukkarasar marched down the stretch raising slogans against the State and Central government.
Outnumbered, the police had to wait for reinforcements to control the protesters who had managed to make their way to the Marina without any hindrance.
Even after detaining Stalin, Thirumavalavan and Thirunavukkarasar at Kamarajar promenade, cops were unable to move the bus carrying the leaders.
Protesters even got on top of the bus protesting the detainment of their leaders.
Police eventually managed to move the bus and have detained other protesters in Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore.
However, the districts witnessed a more comprehensive shutdown. Very few buses plied routes in Nagapattinam, Salem, Cuddalore and Villupuram.