BENGALURU: Shortly after the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Cauvery dispute, numerous organizations took to the streets in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka to express their protest. Following this, the Karnataka police have heightened security measures, particularly in Tamil-dominated areas, including Bengaluru and other towns bordering Tamil Nadu.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court directed the Karnataka government not to interfere with the order of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, which mandates the release of 5,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu.
In anticipation of further protests in the coming days, the police chief has instructed all deputy commissioners of police to take necessary actions to maintain law and order. According to a senior police official, farmer organizations and pro-Kannada groups may stage protests at various locations, potentially causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to the public.
But, allegations have arisen that these precautionary measures were only implemented after the protests began.
Meanwhile, the Congress-led Karnataka government has declared its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the people of Karnataka and its farmers by ensuring an adequate water supply for both crops and drinking purposes. However, the Karnataka government contends that it cannot release water at the moment, citing its own requirements for drinking water and irrigation in the Cauvery basin areas, which have experienced water scarcity due to deficient monsoon rains. In contrast, Tamil Nadu has raised objections and demanded the release of water.
However, Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and several other pro-Kannada organizations have announced a Bengaluru bandh scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, in protest of the Cauvery water issue.
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