Karnataka Activists Intensify Protests Against Water Release Order to Tamil Nadu
Protests Erupt Over Water Release Directive
On Thursday, activists advocating for Karnataka's rights escalated their protests in Mandya against the directive from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). This order mandates the state to release 3,500 cubic feet per second of water from the Cauvery River to Tamil Nadu for a duration of 15 days. During the demonstrations, protesters tore down posters of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's film 'Jan Nayakan'. They urged the state government to resist pressure and refrain from releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
Demonstrators Target Cinema Screening
The activists surrounded the 'Guru Shri Cinema', where 'Jan Nayakan' was being screened, and engaged in discussions with the management, demanding the cessation of the film's showing. Subsequently, the management agreed to halt the screening.
Memorandum Submitted to Government
Outside the cinema, protesters ripped apart film posters and chanted slogans against the CWRC's order. They submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka government through the Deputy Commissioner, appealing not to release water to the neighboring state. One protester stated, 'Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, please inform the relevant authorities that we lack even drinking water and water for our livestock.'
Concerns Over Water Scarcity
The protesters expressed that due to concerns over drinking water availability, Karnataka cannot afford to release even a drop of water from the Cauvery. They warned that if the state government decides to release water to Tamil Nadu, the protests would intensify. Another group of protesters blocked the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway near the statue of M. Vishweshwaraiah, disrupting vehicle movement.
Police Intervention
Law enforcement detained the protesters and placed them in preventive custody to restore traffic flow. In Mysuru, demonstrators carried empty pots at Agrahara Circle, demanding that no water from the Cauvery be released to Tamil Nadu under any circumstances. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had stated on Wednesday that the state would appeal against the order to release Cauvery water.
Legal Action Planned
He mentioned that his government is preparing a legal response and will seek immediate relief through the appropriate channels. Shivakumar has invited his Tamil Nadu counterpart to visit the Cauvery reservoirs to witness the current water scarcity caused by severe drought firsthand.