Why Statewide Commercial Shutdown in Karnataka Today ?

Businesses, schools, transportation services and other companies closed today to protest a decision by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal rejecting a plea for water to serve a state project.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed in Nargund, Navalgund, Hubballi and Dharwad towns.

Huge protests were witnessed on July 28 after Karnataka's petition seeking 7.56 tmcft for drinking water projects was rejected by a tribunal.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has decided to halt screening of movies in theatres, movie-shooting schedules, and other film activities today.

Normal life was affected on Thursday due to violent protest in north Karnataka cities, including Hubballi, Dharwad, Gadag and Belagavi. Angry protesters blocked all major roads in Hubballi, Dharwad and Gadag bringing normal life to a standstill. National Highway 218 between Hubballi and Dharwad has also been blocked. Protesters burnt tyres, used thorny bushes and bullock carts to stop movement of vehicles and pelted stones at public properties.

What is the dispute ? 

The dispute between Karnataka government and Goa government is over sharing of waters of the Mahadayi river (called Mandovi in Goa). The Mahadayi river originates and flows for 28 kilometer in Karnataka and goes through Maharashtra and Goa before meeting the Arabian Sea.

In order to to divert 7.56 tmcft of water to the Malaprabha river basin, Congress-led Karnataka government wants to build canals to link Kalasa and Banduri, the tributaries of Mahadayi. Objecting the move, BJP-led Goa government argued that if Karnataka implemented the Kalasa-Banduri project, it would prove disastrous for the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats as the proposed project was deep inside the forest.

Verdict: 

The Mahadayi tribunal headed by J N Panchal, has been hearing the petition filed by Goa against Maharashtra and Karnataka against the diversion of water. The tribunal concluded the hearing on July 25 and pronounced its judgment on July 27 ruling in favour of Goa government. The tribunal observed that allowing water to be transferred for the Kalasa-Banduri project would be ecologically damaging and upset the “natural equilibrium” of the river.

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