BENGALURU: Cauvery water dispute has made Karnataka bandh the top agenda for Bengaluru on Thursday with pro-Kannada organizations calling for a statewide shutdown from 6am to 6pm.The protest comes in the backdrop of renewed tensions over Karnataka’s apprehensions over sharing of its waters and demands for a tough stand on Cauvery issue and long-pending projects such as Mekedatu and Mahadayi.But for the people of Bengaluru the main concern is how the bandh will affect public transport, shops, offices, schools and traffic. Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies and other essential services should continue to operate.Kempegowda International Airport is also open but passengers have been asked to allow extra time as demonstrations or road blocks may affect the approach roads. Thursday is a day when commuters will have to check on transport updates before stepping out of home with bandh and monsoon conditions.What is the reason behind the bandh in Bengaluru?Pro-Kannada groups protesting over Cauvery water sharing issue have called for a state-wide shutdown. The organizers also want progress on projects such as Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri. Thursday likely to be a day of disruption for commuters and business as the bandh is to be observed till 6pm.The airport and essential services are running.Kempegowda International Airport is functional despite a bandh. Banks, hospitals, pharmacies and other essential services are also expected to remain open. Public transport may be disrupted depending on the level of participation. Temporary traffic restrictions/congestion may occur in central and protest-sensitive areas of the city.Weather adds a new dimensionThe bandh is not the only mobility issue with Bangalore. Warnings of heavy rain are being issued in parts of Karnataka and weather conditions are being closely monitored. The mix of protests, potential road closures and wet roads means drivers can expect slower travel. Commuters were advised to stay away from protest hotspots and check local traffic conditions before heading out.
