Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Karnataka bandh today: schools, banks, transport to remain open
Two states in India are having an argument about a big river called the Cauvery.
Farmers in both states want to use the river's water.
A special water group told Karnataka to send a large amount of water to its neighbour, Tamil Nadu, every day for 15 days.
Many people in Karnataka are upset because they want to keep the water for their own farmers.
So some groups have called for a 'bandh,' which means a day when many things close down in protest.
The bandh will happen on August 13 from 6 am to 6 pm.
Even though it is a protest day, schools, banks, hospitals, buses and pharmacies will still stay open.
Teachers may wear black ribbons to show they support the protest.
The leader of Karnataka said he wants to protect farmers but also follow the orders of the court.
The police have asked everyone to protest peacefully so daily life is not disrupted.
Kannada organisations have called a statewide Karnataka bandh on Thursday, August 13, from 6 am to 6 pm over the Cauvery water-sharing row.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days starting August 12.
Vatal Nagaraj, convener of the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha, said the protest would go ahead 'at any cost.'
Schools, banks, hospitals, pharmacies and public transport are expected to remain operational, though school staff were asked to wear black ribbons in solidarity.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state must protect its farmers while complying with court orders and would assess the situation before deciding its next step.
- Who
- Kannada organisations including the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha led by Vatal Nagaraj and the Mandya District Farmers' Welfare Protection Committee, along with Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
- What
- A statewide Karnataka bandh (strike) protesting the order directing Karnataka to release Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu.
- When
- Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6 am to 6 pm; the CWMA water-release order began on August 12 and lasts 15 days.
- Where
- Karnataka, with expected impact in Bengaluru and a protest planned near the Visvesvaraya statue in Mandya.
- Why
- The CWMA directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu, which protesters say threatens Karnataka's water security.
Protesters and Kannada organisations
Karnataka government and CWMA
Cauvery water release
Protesters and Kannada organisations
The government should not release water to Tamil Nadu under any circumstances; the CWMA's direction is a threat to Karnataka's water security.
Karnataka government and CWMA
The state has a responsibility to protect its farmers while also complying with court orders, and will assess the situation before deciding its next course of action.
Bandh participation
Protesters and Kannada organisations
Everyone, including farmers, workers, women and citizens, should join the demonstrations and support the strike at any cost.
Karnataka government and CWMA
KAMS withdrew its call for schools to close because a closure could affect the academic schedule, though it extended moral support to the bandh.
- Event
- Karnataka bandh (statewide shutdown strike)
- Date
- August 13 (Thursday)
- Timing
- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Trigger
- CWMA order to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12
- Organisers
- Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha; Mandya District Farmers' Welfare Protection Committee
- Schools
- Expected to remain open; school staff asked to wear black ribbons in solidarity
- Essential services
- Banks, hospitals, pharmacies, public transport expected to remain operational
- Chief Minister
- D K Shivakumar: protect farmers while complying with court orders; will assess the situation
