Farmers form human chain in Mandya to protest release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu

Farmers in Mandya intensified their protests on Saturday against the State Government's stand to release Cauvery water from KRS and other dams in Cauvery basin to Tamil Nadu to comply with the Supreme Court order.

Bandh called by Cauvery Hitharakshana Samithi in Mandya and Maddur received huge support. 

Most shops are closed and commercial activities have almost come to a standstill in both Mandya city and Maddur town. Schools, colleges and cinema theatres are closed. Autos, private and KSRTC buses are not operating. Even the traffic on Bengaluru-Mysuru National Highway is affected and alternate routes are provided for commuters. 

Forces pressed in for security in Bandh hit Mandya

Several organisations took out bike rallies and distributed pamphlets to create awareness on the Cauvery river row.

Some farmer leaders slept on the road and some formed a human chain near JC Circle to protest in Mandya. They urged the State Government to stop release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. 

Police have intensified security measures. Paramilitary forces were also brought in. Water level at KRS on Saturday stood at 96.90 feet as against its full capacity of 124.80 feet. Its inflow was 5147 cusecs and outflow to the river leading to Tamil Nadu was 2973 cusecs.