North Karnataka observes bandh over Mahadayi row

Mysuru: The North Karnataka bandh called by Mahadayi-Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samanvaya Samiti, seeking early solution to the Mahadayi row, was near total today in four districts of Malaprabha Command Area — Dharwad, Belagavi, Gadag and Bagalkot. The bandh was supported by several pro-Kannada and a host of other organisations. Normal life was thrown out of gear in the four districts, as shops, business and other commercial establishments, schools, colleges and other educational institutions and public offices were shut for the day. Buses and other public transport vehicles were out of the roads in most parts of the four districts. The impact of the bandh was total in Gadag, Dharwad, Bagalkot, Hubballi, Bailahongala and neighbouring areas. Police had made elaborate security arrangements at Nargund in Gadag and Navalgund in Dharwad, the epicentre of Mahadayi agitation with the protesters demanding the intervention of PM Narendra Modi to solve the dispute. Mahadayi river dispute is a over three-decade one involving Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. Karnataka has been demanding diversion of some quantity of Mahadayi waters from its tributaries Kalasa and Banduri to drought-hit districts of North Karnataka. Following the bandh call, Karnatak University, Karnataka State Law University and Visvesvaraya Technological University had postponed the exams that were scheduled for today (Dec.27).