Normal life in the city and most parts of the state was affected today by the dawn-to-dusk Karnataka bandh called by pro-Kannada outfits, to protest against the Supreme Court’s direction to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
A few activists of pro-Kannada organisations who tried to enter the departure terminal of the Kempegowda International Airport and the railway station here were stopped and detained by the police.
Transport services have been hit with government buses staying off the roads while auto-rickshaw and cab unions have extended their support to the bandh.
Metro services in the country’s IT hub have also been halted.
People who reached the city from distant places and those travelling towards the airport are facing difficulties in reaching their destinations with no mode of connectivity.
Educational institutions have declared a holiday today.
Attendance at government offices was comparatively less today as officials had informed employees that it would not be “compulsory” to work today.
While some private companies have declared a holiday today, others are making alternate arrangements for employees to “work from home”.
Petrol bunks, hotels, malls and other commercial establishments remained shut, besides banks services were also hit.
The Karnataka Cable Operators’ Association, which is supporting the strike, has said Tamil TV channels will not be aired.
The bandh has evoked a positive response from various parts of the state including Mandya, Mysuru, Ballari, Koppala, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad and Kolar.
In Mandya, the epicentre of the Cauvery protests, agitators have blocked the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway at several places.
A section of farmers in the district staged a protest by venturing into the river carrying stones on their head.
In Ballari, three lorries bearing Tamil Nadu registrations were stoned by protesters.
The transgender community in the district also took part in the bandh related demonstrations.