Bengaluru: A fresh flashpoint has erupted over the decades-old Cauvery water dispute, with pro-Kannada organisations calling for a 12-hour statewide bandh on August 13 to protest the release of river water to Tamil Nadu.

The shutdown has been scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, days after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) refused to accept Karnataka's objections and upheld the direction to release water downstream.

Leading the protest, former MLA and Federation of Pro-Kannada Organisations president Vatal Nagaraj appealed to traders, transporters, business establishments, associations and the public to support the bandh. The organisations argue that Karnataka itself is grappling with water scarcity and that releasing Cauvery water at this stage would severely affect farmers and residents across the state.

The agitation is not limited to the bandh. Kannada organisations have also threatened to stage a protest at Bengaluru airport on August 3, coinciding with the proposed visit of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who is expected to hold talks with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Protest leaders questioned the need for such a meeting when Karnataka is facing water stress and has been directed to release water to Tamil Nadu. They said the airport demonstration would be a symbolic show of resistance against any decision they believe could undermine Karnataka's interests on the Cauvery and Mekedatu issues.

In a statement, the organisations pointed out that the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had recommended Karnataka release 3,500 cusecs of water per day for 15 days, amounting to nearly 5 TMC. They maintained that implementing the recommendation would further strain the state's already stretched water resources.

However, Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar urged organisations to withdraw the August 13 bandh call and maintain peace, describing Karnataka as a ‘peace-loving state.’

The bandh announcement follows Thursday's decision by the CWMA, which rejected Karnataka's plea citing drought conditions and concerns over drinking water availability, while retaining the CWRC's recommendation in full.

In response to the order, the Karnataka government has convened an all-party meeting on August 2, with political parties, farmers' bodies and Kannada organisations expected to formulate a united strategy against the CWMA directive.