Karnataka bandh tomorrow; film theatres to remain closed, protests grow – More details

Karnataka is in dispute with neighbouring Goa over sharing of the Mahadayi river's water to meet the drinking water needs of people in the state's northern region.

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Bengaluru: The interim order of the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal has generated much heat in Karnataka.

In protests against the Tribunal's interim order rejecting Karnataka's petition seeking 7.56 tmcft for drinking water projects, pro-Kannada and farmer associations have called for 'Karnataka Bandh' on July 30.

Extending support to the bandh, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has stated that all screening of movies in theatres, movie-shooting schedules, and other film activities will be halted tomorrow.

The KFCC has urged film producers, directors, artists, distributors, technicians, exhibitors, and other film staff to participate in it.

On Thursday, tension gripped most parts of northern Karnataka like Gadag, Hubballi, Dharwad, Haveri, Belagavi where police have made tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.

Protests by several organisations and farmers are also being held across the state, including Bengaluru.

Karnataka, which has locked horns with neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi river water between both the states, had petitioned the tribunal seeking release of 7.56 tmcft of water for Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.

The tribunal, which gave its interim order on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both Karnataka and Goa, had rejected the state's plea citing various grounds including ecological damage that the project may cause.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, which will utilise 7.56 tmcft from the inter-state Mahadayi river, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

(With Agency inputs)