Karnataka Bandh on August 13: Are Schools, Banks, Public Transport and Hospitals Open?

Several Kannada organisations have called for a statewide Karnataka Bandh on Thursday, August 13, in protest against the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) direction to Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

The bandh has been called amid escalating tensions over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. Kannada organisations, farmers' groups and other associations have backed the protest, with the statewide shutdown expected to remain in effect from 6 am to 6 pm on August 13.

Why Is Karnataka Observing A Bandh?

The protest follows the CWMA's decision directing Karnataka to ensure a flow of 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu from 8 am on August 12 for the next 15 days. Karnataka Bandh on August 13: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and What Will Be Affected?

Vatal Nagaraj, convener of Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha, backed the bandh and urged people to participate.

"We will observe Bandh at any cost. I appeal to everyone to support our call for strike," Nagaraj was quoted as saying by PTI.

The Mandya District Farmers' Welfare Protection Committee has also announced a protest near the Visvesvaraya statue in Mandya. The committee has urged farmers, Kannada organisations, workers, women and citizens to participate.

A farmer leader said, "The government should not release water under any circumstances," describing the CWMA direction as a threat to Karnataka's water security. Karnataka Bandh on August 13: Why Kannada Groups Called the Shutdown and What Are the Demands?

Karnataka Bandh: Will Schools Remain Open?

Yes. Schools in Karnataka are expected to function normally on August 13 despite the bandh call.

According to The News Minute, the Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) withdrew its earlier call to shut schools, citing concerns over disruption to academic schedules.

However, KAMS has extended moral support to the bandh. School managements, teaching staff and non-teaching employees have been asked to wear black ribbons or black strips as a mark of solidarity.

Will Banks, Hospitals And Public Transport Remain Open?

Essential services including hospitals, pharmacies and other emergency services are expected to remain operational during the bandh.

Banks and public transport services are also likely to remain unaffected. The statewide bandh has been announced from 6 am to 6 pm on August 13.

The exact impact on transport and commercial establishments may vary depending on participation in the protest.

What Did DK Shivakumar Say?

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state government has a responsibility to protect farmers while also complying with court orders.

"I know that 12,000 cusecs orders have come. I'm also monitoring our inflow. Considering our situation, I have the duty to protect our farmers. We must protect our farmers and also abide by the court orders. Keeping both these aspects in mind, I will discuss with the irrigation minister and officials," Shivakumar said, according to PTI.

The government is assessing the state's water situation before deciding its next course of action.

Karnataka Government To Discuss Legal Options

State Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said Shivakumar would hold a meeting with senior advocates, officials and engineers from the Water Resources Department to discuss the legal course of action.

The Chief Minister's Office shared details of the 55th CWMA meeting, which said the authority had affirmed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's direction.

"The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), at its meeting held today, has affirmed and endorsed the decision of Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), directing Karnataka to ensure releases from its reservoirs so that the flows at the rate of 12,000 cusecs are realised at Biligundlu starting from August 12, from 8 am onwards for the next 15 days."

The Cauvery dispute has repeatedly triggered political tensions and protests in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with water releases becoming a major flashpoint during periods of water stress.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 09:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).