Bengaluru: Karnataka's statewide bandh over the Cauvery water dispute began on Thursday, August 13, but its impact appears to be mixed across the state. While pro-Kannada organisations have called for a shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm, bus services have resumed in Mysuru and shops have also started reopening, according to an IANS ground update.

The bandh has been called against the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) direction to Karnataka to ensure the release of 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day for 15 days from August 12.

Pro-Kannada organisations staged protests in Bengaluru on Wednesday against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

For residents, commuters and businesses, here's what is open and what could be affected during the Karnataka bandh today.

Karnataka bandh: What will remain open?

Schools: Schools are expected to function normally on August 13.

The Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS), which had earlier called for schools to remain closed, withdrew the decision, citing concerns over the impact on academic schedules.

School managements, teaching staff and non-teaching employees have been asked to wear black ribbons or black strips as a mark of solidarity with the bandh.

Hospitals and pharmacies: Hospitals, medical shops and other essential healthcare services are expected to remain operational during the bandh.

Banks: Banks and other essential financial services in Karnataka are expected to function during the statewide bandh.

What could be affected?

Public transport: Public transport could see disruptions in some parts of Karnataka, depending on participation in the bandh.

However, services have continued in some areas. In Mysuru, bus services have resumed as usual from the Suburban Bus Station, with buses operating towards Bengaluru, Mangaluru and other parts of the state. Police security remains in place, while shops were also gradually reopening, according to an IANS update.

Taxis and autorickshaws could also be affected in areas where the bandh receives stronger support.

Shops and commercial establishments: Shops, hotels and other commercial establishments may remain closed in areas where the bandh receives strong support. However, the situation is not uniform across the state, with shops gradually reopening in Mysuru.

Traffic and interstate travel: Bengaluru could see traffic disruptions due to protests and road-related restrictions. Commuters travelling towards Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border areas, may also face delays or restrictions.

The extent of the disruption may vary from one area to another depending on participation in the bandh.

What is Karnataka's stand on the Cauvery order?

Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the state is preparing for the legal battle over the water-sharing order.

“I have held discussions with the Chief Minister (D K Shivakumar) and officials. The CM spoke to our Advocate General and advocates in Delhi. Tamil Nadu's petition is coming up before the Supreme Court tomorrow; it has been listed. We will have an opportunity there, and our advocates will file our objections. Let's see what the Supreme Court says. Thereafter, we will have further options,” he told PTI.

Earlier, the Chief Minister's Office said the CWMA had affirmed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's decision directing Karnataka to make releases from its reservoirs so that a flow of 12,000 cusecs is realised at Biligundlu from 8 am on August 12 for the next 15 days.