Shivakumar’s counsel Adish Agrawala said inhabitants of both states were resorting to competitive protests against the SC order directing Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu.
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Many farmers’ and other unions called for the bandh, which was supported by Opposition parties like DMK, Congress, MDMK, PMK, TMC, CPI (M), and CPI.
The state requires at least 27 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water to meet the drinking water needs after October 20 and the four reservoirs in the state would have 28 tmcft, while Tamil Nadu will have 42 tmcft in its reservoirs.
The Cauvery river, which flows through southern Karnataka and then into Tamil Nadu, has been a point of conflict for decades.
On Friday, schools and shops remained shut across the state.
Police said tight vigil was being maintained and no attempts to mar public peace or disruption of free movement of transportation – on road or rail – would be allowed.
Pudukkottai (TN): DMK workers holding “Rail Roko” protest over Kalasa Banduri Canal issue detained by police.
A source said Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have submitted to the committee data about withdrawal of water, its utilisation, variation in rainfall and its impact on the actual run-off over a period of 29 years in their respective Cauvery basin areas.
In Tiruchirapalli, MDMK supremo Vaiko courted arrest while trying to block trains.
They have also asked the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure that violence since last week in Karnataka targeting Tamilians and their property is stopped.
Hundreds of farmers and traders also staged protests at Mandya, Srirangapatna and Mysuru and criticised the state government for failing to protect their interests.
Normally-crowded places like bus stands, commercial centres and roads wore a deserted look across the state even as a large number of policemen were deployed outside the stands, railway stations and other places.
Besides, about 4,300 shops in Koyambedu market selling flowers, vegetables and fruits too would not function.
The Mettur Dam has witnessed steady inflows following Karnataka’s release of water.
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Meanwhile, Kanagavalli, wife of Tamil Nadu fuel truck driver Manivelu, who was beaten up days ago allegedly by pro-Kannada activists near Chitradurga in Karnataka, reportedly told a TV channel that the state should take efforts to safely bring him back.
