New Delhi:
Amid protests across the state, Karnataka on Wednesday started releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu after the Supreme Court's directive asking it to release 15,000 cusecs per day to the neighbouring state for ten days.
"Karnataka has started releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu to obey the Supreme Court directive asking the state government to release 15,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for ten days," a state water resources ministry official told PTI in Bengaluru.
(Read More: Cauvery water row: Agitated farmers block Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway)
Meanwhile, protesters have intensified their agitation in Mandya and other parts of the state blocking several roads and forcing schools and colleges to shut down.
Live Coverage of protests in Karnataka-
Cauvery river water issue: Farmer attempts suicide by jumping into a canal in Mandya, rushed to hospital #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/aByASRLYt0
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Cauvery river water issue: Farmer attempts suicide by jumping into a canal in Mandya, rushed to hospital #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/aByASRLYt0
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Cauvery water issue: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike stages protest at Mysore Bank Circle (Bengaluru). pic.twitter.com/bTapxDk0Oe
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Cauvery water issue: Buses and trucks from TN heading to Karnataka stopped at Hosur border. pic.twitter.com/hKyUbvfpqx
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Bengaluru: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike stages protest at Mysore Bank Circle against release of Cauvery water to TN. pic.twitter.com/ohI7rbZ0g8
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Farmers in Mandya (Karnataka) protest against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/Or26lP62CC
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Farmers in Mandya (Karnataka) protest against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/WGuK8yW9xY
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Mandya (Karnataka): Protesters block road near Sanjay Circle, protesting over cauvery river water issue. pic.twitter.com/M9aED8j3Bo
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Mandya (6/9/2016): Karnataka begins release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu; farmers hold protest against the release pic.twitter.com/qpgodpVfbO
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 7, 2016
Complying with the Supreme Court direction, the Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to release water despite "severe hardships."
The court order directed an immediate backlash with agitated farmers and activists belonging to pro-Kannada outfits blocking the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway.
What happened on Tuesday
Mandya district, the nucleus of Cauvery politics, saw a bandh on Tuesday with protesters holding road blockades and dharnas at several places, as hundreds of security personnel -- including central forces -- were deployed in the Cauvery belt to maintain law and order.
"Despite severe hardships faced by the government of Karnataka, the state will release water as directed by the Supreme Court," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had told reporters after nearly a three-hour long all-party meeting convened by him here, on Tuesday.
Siddaramaiah had also said government would approach the Supreme Court with a modification petition, explaining its difficulties in implementing its order.
(Read More: Complying SC order, Karanataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu: CM Siddaramaiah)
Noting that the 'samba' crops in Tamil Nadu would be adversely affected, an apex court bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and U U Lalit directed Karnataka to ensure supply of water to Tamil Nadu.
