New Delhi, January 25: A dawn-to-dusk Karnataka bandh has been called by pro-Kannada outfits across the state on Thursday. The protesters are seeking a speedy resolution of the decades-old Mahadayi river water dispute.  The Karnataka government has locked horns with the neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing the Mahadayi River water between both the states. Normal life in the state has taken a hit on Thursday the state-wide bandh. Most private companies have chosen to remain closed while Railways and BMRCL service will be open for public.  Protests were held in Attibelle during bandh in Karnataka over Mahadayi water dispute while there has been no effect of Karnataka Bandh yet in Kalaburagi.

It must be noted that the shutdown is expected to be in total in the northern districts that come under Malaprabha river basin and spans from 6am-6pm on Thursday.  Karnataka, which has locked horns with neighbouring Goa on sharing Mahadayi River water, is seeking release of 7.56 tmcft water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.

The bandh has been called by 'Mahadayi Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samanvaya Samiti', an umbrella organisation spearheading the agitation on the issue, is being supported by several pro-Kannada and other organisations, including the Kannada film industry. The protesters have been demanding the Prime Minister's intervention in the inter-state Mahadayi river water dispute with Goa to meet the drinking water needs of drought-prone areas of the region.

On Thursday, most private schools have decided to remain shut while several examinations have also been rescheduled.  Bus services have been suspended while petrol pumps, banks, and agriculture Produce Marketing Committees are expected to function as usual, reports said. Elaborate arrangements have been made across the state to ensure that no untoward incident occurs.   The pro-Kannada outfits have also called a bandh in Bengaluru on February 4, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address a rally in the city.

The leaders of these outfits have termed the bandh as a "warning bell" to the state and central governments and demanded a solution at the earliest, even as they hit out at political parties for playing politics on the issue. The bandh is likely to have an impact in Gadag, Dharwad, Bagalkote, Hubballi, Bailahongala and neighbouring areas.  State Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said elaborate security arrangements had been made to avoid any untoward incidents.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2018 10:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).