Why Karnataka to observe bandh on Sept 26, how will it affect Bengaluru?: Explained

Bengaluru, Sept 25: Another bandh is likely to affect normal life in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru on Saturday, Sept 26.

This time Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha and other pro-Kannada organisations called for the bandh reiterating their demand over Kalasa-Banduri project.

[Bengaluru: Now, Karnataka bandh on Sept 26 gets political mileage]

1,080 associations across the state supported the bandh. The associations, which extended their support, includes the Lorry Owners Association, Taxi Owners Association, the film fraternity and others.

What is Kalasa-Banduri project?

• Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra have been fighting over water sharing of Mahadayi river which is also known as Mandovi in Goa.
• Mahadayi originates from Western Ghats in Karnataka's Belgaum district and flows from Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra and then joins the Arabian Sea.
• Karnataka wants to divert 7.56 tmc of water from the river to Malaprabha dam.
• Diverting of water is possible through two separate canals Kalasa and Banduri.
• Karnataka asserts that diverting water would help it to supply drinking water to Dharwar, Hubli and neighbouring regions.
• However, Goa believes that diverting water would affect flora and fauna of Goa.
• The three state governments have been failing to come to a consensus since 1980s.

Why are farmers protesting?

• Farmers in North Karnataka have been protesting demanding a final decision on Kalasa-Banduri project.
• Currently, residents of Belagavi, Dharwad and Gadag and neighbouring region are getting drinking water supply once in ten days.
• If the controversial projects gets a green signal, people of the region would get sufficient drinking water supply.
• Implementation of the project will help the people in the region, especially the farmers.

[How Karnataka bandh on Sept 26 likely to affect Bengaluru]

How the bandh may affect Bengaluru and other districts?

• Buses going from Karnataka to Goa and vice versa might be cancelled.
• BBMP offices too will be closed.
• BMTC and KSRTC buses and autos are likely to stay off the roads.
• School authorities too may declare holiday to avoid any trouble.
• All banks will be closed as it would be the fourth Saturday of the month.
• Trucks, lorries will not be available.

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