Mysuru/ Mandya/ Shivamogga: The bandh called by various pro-Kannada and pro-farmer organisations received a poor response across the Mysuru and Malnad regions Thursday, with normal life remaining largely unaffected despite protests in several places.Except for Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), no major organisation or industrial body supported the bandh call, citing the active monsoon situation and improved water levels in major dams in the Cauvery basin.With no support from auto, cab and KSRTC staff unions, transport services operated normally. Schools and colleges also functioned as usual as no holiday was declared.Authorities at Mysuru Palace and Mysuru Zoo said visitor numbers remained unaffected. “Even though it was a weekday, the number of tourists was normal,” said zoo executive director P Anusha.Hotels, govt offices and commercial establishments remained open in Mysuru. “Hotels remained open in Mysuru,” said Hotel Owners Association president C Narayana Gowda.Advocates boycotted court proceedings in Mysuru in protest against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) direction to release Cauvery water.Farmers and pro-Kannada organisations staged protests in front of the Cauvery Command Area Development Authority (CADA) office and at other locations in the city. A few protesters attempted to enter the suburban bus stand to disrupt bus services, but police foiled the attempt. Farmers also lay on the road, briefly blocking traffic.The bandh received a poor response in neighbouring Chamarajanagar district too, with markets, banks, educational institutions and tourist spots remaining open.Life remained normal across Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. In several places, pro-Kannada organisations took out protest marches under tight police vigil, but there was no major disruption to daily life.Mandya, however, witnessed widespread protests by pro-Kannada organisations and farmers’ associations. The agitation began early in the morning with bike rallies from Sanjay Circle in Mandya city. Activists urged traders to shut shops, and several commercial establishments along major thoroughfares remained closed till afternoon. In a symbolic gesture, protesters distributed roses to traders, appealing for voluntary support.In Srirangapatna, members of Mandya Rakshana Vedike performed pooja at the bathing ghat and offered pinda pradana in Cauvery, declaring that Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and CWRC were “dead” to Karnataka for allegedly siding with Tamil Nadu.Ahead of the protests, deputy commissioner Kumara appealed for peace and urged organisers to ensure public movement, especially students travelling to schools and colleges, was not disrupted. Protest leaders assured the administration of a peaceful demonstration.Following directions from chief minister DK Shivakumar to maintain vigilance, district officials held talks with protest leaders. Elaborate security arrangements were made at Sanjay Circle and KRS Dam. CCTV surveillance was stepped up and barricades with barbed wire were erected at the dam. The DC also ordered closure of liquor shops, bars and restaurants in KR Pet, Srirangapatna, Maddur, Pandavapura and Mandya taluks from 6am to 10pm. Hotel associations and auto drivers extended support to the bandh.By 1pm, protests had ended, and shops reopened. Mandya largely returned to normalcy by afternoon, though organisers said agitations would continue Friday.
