What is the story about?
A statewide bandh has begun in Karnataka, leading to a 12-hour shutdown until 6 pm over the Cauvery water dispute, as pro-Kannada organisations seek stronger
action on the water issue and protracted projects like Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri. Due to this, many students and parents are wondering whether schools across the state are closed today. As of now, the government has not officially announced the closure of educational institutions. The bandh will likely disrupt public transport, taxis, autorickshaws, hotels, shops and other commercial establishments in some parts of the state; however, essential services, including hospitals and medical shops, will remain operational.
Karnataka Bandh 2026: What's Open, What's Closed?
Here's what is likely to stay open and closed amid the state-wide bandh:
Likely to remain open
- Schools
- Banks
- Essential services
- Offices
Likely to be affected/closed
- Shops
- Non-essential services
- Inter-state buses and cabs
- Some routes may face traffic disruptions
Bandh to Proceed As Scheduled: Kannada Activist Vatal Nagraj
Amid reports of differences among various organisations over proceeding with the shutdown against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, Kannada activist Vatal Nagraj on Monday stated that the bandh called for August 13 would be held as scheduled, as per PTI reports.
"Several pro-Kannada outfits and activists are reportedly of the view that it would not be appropriate to observe a bandh in the current situation, and are planning to meet soon to decide on the future course of action," according to the news agency.
