Karnataka bandh: Pro-Kannada outfits call for a bandh over Mahadayi water sharing row

Karnataka has locked horns with Goa over the Mahadayi river sharing issue to supply water for Hubballi and Dharwad towns for drinking water through Kalasa-Banduri canal. IN PIC: State road buses parked at KSRTC Bus stand as bus services has been stopped. (Nagaraja Gadekal | EPS)

Karnataka is seeking release of 7.56 tmcft water by Goa from the Mahadayi river for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project, being undertaken to improve the drinking water supply to Hubballi-Dharwad and districts of Belagavi and Gadag in the northern region. IN PIC: People stranded at Bengaluru International Airport. (Nagaraja Gadekal | EPS)

Recently, Goa CM Manohar Parrikar said he would go by the decision taken by the Mahadayi river water sharing tribunal. IN PIC: Kannada activists demanding a shop to close at cottenpet in Bengaluru on Bandh day. (Nagaraja Gadekal | EPS)

On December 27 last year, a bandh was observed in five north Karnataka districts over the same issue following a call by farmer groups. IN PIC: People wait for public transport. (Nagaraja Gadekal | EPS)

Vatal Nagaraj, leader of Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha (KCVP), a pro-Kannada outfit, claimed that about 2,000 pro-Kannada outfits had backed the bandh call. IN PIC: A picture from Bengaluru International Airport. (Nagaraja Gadekal | EPS)

The Kannada film industry is also showing support for the bandh. IN PIC: A view of Bengaluru-Mysore highway on Bandh day. (Nagaraja Gadekal | EPS)

Most private companies have granted a day’s leave to their employees, and those which have not have asked them to work from home to be on the safe side, fearing sporadic violence. IN PIC: Protests at Hubballi. (Hemanth | EPS)

Private as well as government schools and colleges in the city will also remain closed on Thursday, with some planning to compensate for the day’s loss on Saturday. (Hemanth | EPS)

Namma Metro will function as per normal schedule, provided there are no attacks on stations. (Hemanth | EPS)

Cab services such as Uber and Ola will function as usual. IN PIC: A view of the crowds in Hubballi. (Hemanth | EPS)

Another bandh has been called on February 4 when PM Narendra Modi has decided to visit the state to take part in the ‘Nav Karnataka Parivartan Yatra’ in Bengaluru. (Hemanth | EPS)