In Karnataka, normal life was paralysed today because of the Bandh called by Pro-Kannada organisations in protest against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. There was no untoward incident with police providing strict vigil, the entire day. Normal life in Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Chamrajnagar districts were hit. Roads wore a deserted look and shops and business establishments remained closed.

The Kannada Film Chamber delegation headed by veteran actor Ambareesh met the Governor and submitted a memorandum, seeking the Governor’s intervention to prevail upon Central Government about the grim situation in Karnataka. Union External Affairs minister S. M. Krishna, who is on an official visit to USA, has urged the Prime Minister to explore possibilities of stopping further release of water to Tamil Nadu due to grim situation in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the Cauvery Monitoring Committee which visited Harangi and Hemavathi reservoirs of Cauvery, returned to Bangalore today. Speaking to the media persons, K C Jacob of the Committee said that they have taken note of the situation prevailing in the State. Responding to media quaries, Jacob said the team has understood the predicament expressed by the state and also gathered grievances of farmers. He said they will tour Cauvery basin areas till Monday and submit its report to Cauvery River Authority in two days. The water Resources minister in Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai said that Cauvery Monitoring Committee meeting is scheduled on Thursday next week, which will be attended by the Chief Secretaries of four riparian states including Karnataka. He said that the interim application submitted by the state against the Authorities order will come up for hearing on Monday afternoon in Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the central team led by Central Water Commission Chief Engineer R.K.Gupta today interacted with farmers of Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts.