Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Karnataka Bandh: Protests Against Cauvery Water Release To Tamil Nadu
Some farmers and Kannada groups in the Indian state of Karnataka were unhappy with a decision about a big river called the Cauvery.
A group called the Cauvery Water Management Authority told Karnataka to send a lot of water to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
The groups wanted that order taken back, so they asked everyone in Karnataka to take part in a one-day shutdown called a bandh.
During a bandh, people stop work and close shops to show they are upset.
The shutdown was supposed to last 12 hours, from 6:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening.
The police in the city of Bengaluru said schools, offices, shops and buses should keep working as usual.
They also warned that no one should be forced to join the bandh or be threatened.
People who use force or damage property could face legal action.
The protest happened just as the Karnataka government's monsoon session was about to begin.
Farmers and pro-Kannada organisations called a 12-hour Karnataka Bandh to protest against the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order.
The bandh commenced at 6:00 AM and will continue till 6:00 PM.
The CWMA ordered Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12.
Bengaluru City Police said schools, offices, shops and public transport are expected to function as usual and warned of legal action against use of force, threats or damage to property.
The bandh comes as the 10-day monsoon session of the Karnataka legislature is expected to begin under newly appointed Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
- Who
- Farmers, pro-Kannada outfits and Kannada organisations, along with newly appointed Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in the context of the legislature session.
- What
- A 12-hour statewide Karnataka Bandh demanding withdrawal of the CWMA order directing release of 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The day of the bandh, running from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, related to the CWMA directive starting August 12.
- Where
- Karnataka, with Bengaluru City Police managing the response in the state capital.
- Why
- To protest against the CWMA order requiring Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Pro-Kannada organisations and farmers
Bengaluru Police and authorities
Water-sharing order and bandh enforcement
Pro-Kannada organisations and farmers
Farmers and pro-Kannada organisations called for a statewide 12-hour bandh to demand withdrawal of the CWMA order requiring Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu.
Bengaluru Police and authorities
Bengaluru City Police expect schools, offices, shops and public transport to function as usual and warned that no one should force, threaten or compel others to join the bandh, with legal action possible for use of force, threats or damage to property.
- Event
- Karnataka Bandh (12-hour statewide agitation)
- Timing
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- CWMA order
- Release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12
- Organisers
- Farmers, pro-Kannada outfits and Kannada organisations
- Police stance
- Normal activities expected to function; legal action warned against force, threats and damage to property
- Political context
- 10-day monsoon session of the Karnataka legislature expected to begin; newly appointed CM D K Shivakumar
- Location
- Karnataka, especially Bengaluru