Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar appeals against bandh over Cauvery issue
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged organisations to withdraw the proposed statewide bandh over the Cauvery water dispute, saying the government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the state’s farmers while resolving the issue through legal channels.
He also revealed that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had agreed to postpone his planned visit to Bengaluru following Karnataka’s request, describing the decision as a positive step towards maintaining cordial relations between the neighbouring states.
The meeting between the two Chief Ministers, originally scheduled for Monday, was expected to focus on the Cauvery dispute. However, it was deferred amid protests in Karnataka over water-sharing.
Pro-Kannada organisations have called for a Karnataka bandh on August 13 in protest against the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s direction to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Speaking after an all-party meeting on Sunday, Shivakumar said improved rainfall had eased concerns to some extent and that political parties across the spectrum had expressed support for the government’s approach. He maintained that a shutdown would not serve any useful purpose.
The Chief Minister said future decisions would be taken within the legal framework while giving top priority to drinking water requirements. He added that consultations with legal experts and agricultural specialists would continue as the situation develops.
Highlighting his own farming background, Shivakumar assured people that the government would protect Karnataka’s interests. He also said the state would respond appropriately to legal proceedings, including matters pending before the Supreme Court.
Reiterating support for the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, he said it should move forward without delay.
According to the Chief Minister, Karnataka has so far received only around one-third of its normal rainfall, prompting the government to advise farmers to wait for scientific guidance before making cropping decisions.
He said current reservoir inflows have improved, with a combined inflow of over 67,000 cusecs from major reservoirs including Kabini, KRS, Hemavathi and Harangi. However, Karnataka must retain sufficient water—around 40 TMC—for drinking purposes.
Shivakumar clarified that water releases have mainly been for supplying drinking water, while limited discharge from Kabini became necessary due to rising inflows.
He said the all-party meeting, attended by former chief ministers, Union ministers, Members of Parliament, opposition leaders and legal experts, unanimously supported the government’s stand and agreed that the proposed bandh was unnecessary.
The Chief Minister added that ministers would engage with farmers and pro-Kannada organisations to persuade them against the shutdown.
On agriculture, he said district-specific advisories would be issued by experts, while the state had recently approved funding exceeding Rs 30 crore to use artificial intelligence and other technologies to support farmers. He also noted that it was too early to officially declare drought conditions, as district assessments were still underway.