Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has announced plans to block National Highway near Hoskote toll in Bengaluru on October 10 to protest the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The dispute has led to tensions and legal battles between the two states, with Karnataka citing drought as a reason for refusing water supply to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee had ordered Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Biligundlu from September 28 to October 15, 2023, further intensifying the issue.
Protests Over Cauvery Water Issue Escalate in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka – Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has announced plans for a highway blockade in Bengaluru on October 10, intensifying protests over the longstanding Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The announcement comes after members of pro-Kannada organizations were detained during protests last week in Mandya.
The Cauvery river has been a source of contention between the two southern states for many years, with both states vying for a share of its waters, which are crucial for agriculture and drinking water. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee recently ordered Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Biligundlu from September 28 to October 15, 2023, further exacerbating tensions.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed disappointment with the committee’s recommendation, stating that the state lacked the water resources to comply. He pledged to challenge the order in the Supreme Court.
This dispute has also fueled political turmoil within Karnataka, with former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accusing the state government of failing to protect the interests of farmers. Karnataka has cited severe drought conditions in some areas of the state as a reason for refusing to supply water to Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu government, in response, accused Karnataka of misleading the nation about its water supply capabilities. The ongoing conflict over the Cauvery river has yet to find a resolution, and the blockade planned for October 10 signals the continued frustrations of those advocating for Karnataka’s position in this complex issue.
Sources By Agencies
