Mahadayi Water Row: Bandh throws normal life out of gear in Karnataka

The state bandh call called by pro Kannada organizations and organizations of farming communities against the Mahadayi river tribunal rejecting Karnataka's plea for water, has affected normal life in Bengaluru, Dharwad and some districts in the state.

Schools and colleges are closed and roads in Bengaluru and Dharwad wore a deserted look in the morning.

Peaceful agitations are being held with no reports of violence.

The bandh is called to press for Kalasa Banduri drinking water project that seeks to lift 7 tmc water from Mahadayi river which originates in Karnataka and flows in Goa as Mandovi river.

Karnataka and neighbouring Goa have conflicting interests on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi River water. The former had petitioned the Tribunal seeking the release of 7.56 tmcft water to Malprabha basin.

The tribunal, which gave its interim order on Wednesday, rejected the state's plea citing various grounds including ecological damage that the project may cause.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala diversion project is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.