Protests against release of Cauvery water to TN weaken

Road traffic between Bengaluru and Mysuru had seen regular disruptions and blockade following the Sept 5 SC directive

As protests against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu showed signs of abating in Mandya, the epicentre of agitation, and other districts in the basin, no major blockade was reported on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway today, police said.

Bengaluru-Mysuru highway was clear and other routes were open now, Mandy Police officials said, adding, buses were also running as usual.

Road traffic between Bengaluru and Mysuru had seen regular disruptions and blockade following the September 5 Supreme Court's directive to Karnataka for release of water to Tamil Nadu.

However, some protests by farmers and pro-Kannada outfits were reported in Mandya, Hassan and nearby places today.

In Mandya, 'Cauvery Hitarakshana Samithi' (Cauvery Welfare Committee) under the leadership of its President G Madegowda met to discuss further strategy. They have demanded for immediate stopping of water being released to Tamil Nadu, compensation for farmers and withdrawal of cases against Cauvery protesters.

They have also decided to hold meeting of Legislators from Cauvery belt on September 14.

Meanwhile, BJP state President and Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa joined protest in Mandya today, while JD(S) Supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda conducted aerial survey of the water levels at dams in Cauvery basin region.

Speaking to reporters, Gowda supported government's decision to release water to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court's directive keeping in mind the main petition that coming up in the Supreme Court on October 18, where the state is challenging the final award of the tribunal.

"I had asked to release water, because if we disobey today, we may not get any benefit from the main petition which is coming up on October 18. If we don't get any benefit from it, Karnataka's fate will be sealed", he said

Deve Gowda's remarks supporting government's decision to release water to Tamil Nadu is being criticised as it is contrary to party's stand which has been staging protests in Mandya and Hassan against the release of water.

On September 5, the apex court had directed Karnataka government to release 15,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for the next 10 days to meet the irrigation requirement for Samba paddy crop.