Mandya Bandh On Sep 23: Will Schools, Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway Be Closed?

Mandya Bandh: The Mandya District Farmers' Welfare Forum has called for Mandya Bandh from 6 am to 6 pm on September 23, 2023, following the Supreme Court's refusal to intervene in the orders issued by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).

The protest action includes a scheduled march that will commence at 9 am in Mandya city, starting from the Visvesvaraya statue and proceeding through key thoroughfares such as Sanjay Circle, Mahaveer Circle, VV Road, and Double Road. Furthermore, plans are in place for a substantial bike rally that will traverse the city.

To bolster the strike's impact, the committee has urged all shops, commercial establishments, and educational institutions to remain closed on the day of the bandh. Interestingly, the strike has garnered support from both hotel owners and trade associations. They have also extended an invitation to various organisations, including private bus owners' associations and auto drivers, to cooperate with the protest. Farmers, who have been convening meetings in preparation for the strike, intend to conduct further deliberations in the evening to fine-tune their strategy. A majority of farmer and pro-Kannada groups are anticipated to rally behind this cause.

It is important to note that the Mandya Bandh could disrupt the Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway, which has already experienced multiple closures recently, resulting in traffic congestion and prolonged delays. Following the protest march within the city, activists might decide to block the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, which could compound travel challenges for highway commuters.

Authorities are strongly advising farmers not to obstruct the national highway in order to minimize disruptions for motorists. However, past protests have led to road closures at various points along the route. The determination regarding whether to block the expressway will be reached during the evening meeting of farmer unions. The expressway traverses Mandya district from Nidaghatta to Srirangapatna, and there is the possibility of roadblocks at specific locations, as indicated by farmer representatives.

Mandya bandh: Are schools closed?

However, there is no official confirmation yet from the district administration regarding the closure of schools. The district administration is expected to take a decision on the closure of schools based on the security situation and the response to the bandh call. Parents are advised to keep an eye on the latest announcements from the district administration and schools before sending their children to school on September 23.

In light of the uncertain situation, parents and guardians are advised to stay informed about the latest developments. They should closely monitor announcements from both the district administration and individual schools regarding their operational status on September 23. This vigilance will enable parents to make informed decisions regarding whether to send their children to school, keeping their safety and educational interests in mind.

The Cauvery River has long been a focal point of disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, both of which rely heavily on its waters for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes. The CWMA and CWRC were established to oversee the distribution of Cauvery river waters among the concerned states and ensure equitable access. However, recent decisions by these bodies have sparked protests and calls for action by farmers in the Mandya district, who feel that their interests have not been adequately represented.