New Delhi: A statewide strike was called in Karnataka on Thursday, August 13 over the sharing of Kaveri river water. During this time, a unique way of demonstration was seen in Koppal district. The protesters stopped trucks with Tamil Nadu number and gave roses to their drivers. Along with this, he was appealed to avoid provoking Karnataka regarding the Cauvery water dispute.
Where is this demonstration
The protest took place at Hitlanal toll gate in Koppal taluk. Activists gathered in support of the Karnataka Okkuta bandh stopped trucks coming from Tamil Nadu. Organization leader Vijayakumar, while giving roses to the drivers, said that the people of Karnataka believe in peace and no attempt should be made to provoke them in any way. The protesters also raised slogans against the Tamil Nadu government during this period.
Mandya, Karnataka: A complete Karnataka bandh over the Cauvery issue is being observed, with farmers, Kannada groups, traders, auto drivers and other organizations participating. Shops and hotels remain closed, traffic is sparse, while tight police deployment and liquor… pic.twitter.com/yUPhTsqg2E
— IANS (@ians_india) August 13, 2026
The protesters opposed the directive of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), in which Karnataka has been asked to release 12 thousand cusecs of water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu. Slogans like 'Take flowers, don't ask for water' were also raised during the protest. However, later the police took the protesters into custody.
Who called Karnataka bandh?
The bandh called on August 13 is being led by Karnataka Okkuta State President Vatal Nagaraj. The organizations had called for demonstrations at toll plazas, national highways and other major places across the state from 6 am. He says that in many areas of Karnataka there is not enough water available for drinking water and irrigation. In view of the Karnataka bandh, security arrangements have been increased in many cities including Bengaluru. On the other hand, government buses from Tamil Nadu continued to enter Karnataka via Hosur.
What is the Cauvery water dispute?
Kaveri river originates from Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu and falls into the Bay of Bengal. There has been a dispute between the two states regarding sharing of river water for decades. This dispute often intensifies again when the rainfall decreases and the water level in the reservoirs decreases.
What did DK Shivakumar say?
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, while chairing an all-party meeting recently, had said that the government is committed to protecting the interests of the people and farmers of the state in the Cauvery issue. He said that the state is still facing drought-like conditions and appealed to the farmers to remain patient till the government guidelines come.