A fresh protest has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the long-running Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka. Farmers buried themselves in sand along the Cauvery river, demanding the timely release of water for agriculture and livelihoods. The protesters accuse Karnataka of releasing only surplus water, while Karnataka argues that low rainfall and poor reservoir levels have limited water availability. The decades-old water-sharing dispute between the two southern states continues to fuel political tensions and farmer protests.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Bury Themselves In Sand Over Cauvery Water Dispute With Karnataka

India's Supreme Court (SC), on Thursday (September 21), refused to intervene in the dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the release of Cauvery River water for irrigation purposes.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) in its September 12 order, which was upheld by CWMA, directed Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs (cubic foot per second) of water every day for the next 15 days to Tamil Nadu.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra, while declining to meddle, said that both CWMA and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) are conducting meetings regularly and also observing the water requirements every 15 days.&nbsp;

The bench further highlighted that both CWMA and CWRC, have experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), who have weighed in on all the pertinent aspects like drought, deficit rainfall, and water level in the river and only then passed the order.

"We are therefore of the considered view that the factors which have been taken into consideration by both the authorities cannot be said to be irrelevant or extraneous. In that view, we are not inclined to interfere with the orders," the bench said.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Tamil Nadu, submitted that both the authorities despite having acknowledged there was scanty rainfall since August and the state was eligible for 7,200 cusecs of water, reduced the volume to 5,000 cusecs a day.

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"I am a low riparian state...water flows from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu from where it goes to Puducherry. There is a shortfall of rainfall which has been taken into consideration by the authorities. In a regular year, I would have been eligible for three times more but I am not seeking that. I am seeking what is rightfully mine," Rohatgi said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He then added that Tamil Nadu has over five lakh acres of standing crop and on top of it is facing a drinking water issue for which more water is required in the Indian state.

"If the drought-like condition was taken into account and the authority calculated it to be 7,200 cusecs per day, then there was no occasion to further bring it down to 5,000 cusecs per day," he submitted.

On the other hand, senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Karnataka, said that the state was also facing drought-like conditions, and the release of 5,000 cusecs of water ordered by the authorities is against the "interest".&nbsp;

"We are facing a drinking water crisis, especially in urban areas including in Bengaluru," he said.

"They have taken into account IMD data, rainfall, water level in reservoirs and other relevant data after which they have arrived at the figure of 5,000 cusecs," Bhati said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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India's Supreme Court (SC), on Thursday (September 21), refused to intervene in the dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the release of Cauvery River water for irrigation purposes.

India's Supreme Court (SC), on Thursday (September 21), refused to intervene in the dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the release of Cauvery River water for irrigation purposes. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) in its September 12 order, which was upheld by CWMA, directed Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs (cubic foot per second) of water every day for the next 15 days to Tamil Nadu. A bench of Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra, while declining to meddle, said that both CWMA and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) are conducting meetings regularly and also observing the water requirements every 15 days. The bench further highlighted that both CWMA and CWRC, have experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), who have weighed in on all the pertinent aspects like drought, deficit rainfall, and water level in the river and only then passed the order. "We are therefore of the considered view that the factors which have been taken into consideration by both the authorities cannot be said to be irrelevant or extraneous. In that view, we are not inclined to interfere with the orders," the bench said. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Tamil Nadu, submitted that both the authorities despite having acknowledged there was scanty rainfall since August and the state was eligible for 7,200 cusecs of water, reduced the volume to 5,000 cusecs a day. Also read: India trails behind: Even Bangladesh, Pakistan have more women in Lower House of Parliament "I am a low riparian state...water flows from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu from where it goes to Puducherry. There is a shortfall of rainfall which has been taken into consideration by the authorities. In a regular year, I would have been eligible for three times more but I am not seeking that. I am seeking what is rightfully mine," Rohatgi said. He then added that Tamil Nadu has over five lakh acres of standing crop and on top of it is facing a drinking water issue for which more water is required in the Indian state. "If the drought-like condition was taken into account and the authority calculated it to be 7,200 cusecs per day, then there was no occasion to further bring it down to 5,000 cusecs per day," he submitted. On the other hand, senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Karnataka, said that the state was also facing drought-like conditions, and the release of 5,000 cusecs of water ordered by the authorities is against the "interest". "We are facing a drinking water crisis, especially in urban areas including in Bengaluru," he said. "They have taken into account IMD data, rainfall, water level in reservoirs and other relevant data after which they have arrived at the figure of 5,000 cusecs," Bhati said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cauvery row: Supreme Court refuses to interfere with order directing Karnataka to release water for Tamil Nadu

India’s Supreme Court (SC) on Friday (August 25) deferred from passing any order in response to the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking the release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery River water daily by neighbouring Karnataka state for irrigation.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice BR Gavai said it would be waiting for a report from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on the amount of water released by Karnataka.

The report will be submitted by September 1, when the matter is next listed.

Appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, senior advocates CS Vaidyanathan and Mukul Rohatgi sought 10,000 cusecs of water be released by Karnataka in the interim, to make up for the water shortage in the state, Bar and Bench news outlet reported.

<h2>Tamil Nadu seeks more water for standing crops</h2>

But the senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Karnataka government, said that the state government won’t be able to comply with the request due to a shortage of rainfall this year.

Advocate Divan said that Karnataka had already discharged water as mandated by CWMA and added that it takes three days for it to travel to Tamil Nadu.

But Rohatgi said that water has not been made available to the lower riparian state despite orders from CWMA.

Then Justice Gavai said, "Why do you not go before the authority? We do not have expertise in this. How can we pass any order? Please approach the authorities."

Justice Narasimha later said that the authority's orders were not being complied with.

Rohatgi informed the court that the Tamil Nadu state was also running out of water and that there was a “huge deficit”.

<h2>Hearing now on Sept 1</h2>

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the central government, then informed the apex court Bench that the CWMA would be meeting on Monday, following which the court listed the next hearing on September 1.

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The Karnataka government has earlier described as "wholly misconceived" Tamil Nadu's plea seeking a direction from the top court seeking release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for standing crops.

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In an affidavit, it said that Tamil Nadu's plea was based on an incorrect assumption that "the current water year is a normal water year and not a distressed water year".

Rainfall has been 25 per cent lower and the water inflow into Karnataka's four reservoirs 42.5 per cent lesser, the affidavit said, adding that the stipulated release shall not be applicable this year.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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India’s Supreme Court (SC) on Friday (August 25) deferred from passing any order in response to the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking the release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery River water daily by neighbouring Karnataka state for irrigation.

India’s Supreme Court (SC) on Friday (August 25) deferred from passing any order in response to the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking the release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery River water daily by neighbouring Karnataka state for irrigation. A three-judge bench headed by Justice BR Gavai said it would be waiting for a report from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on the amount of water released by Karnataka. The report will be submitted by September 1, when the matter is next listed. Appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, senior advocates CS Vaidyanathan and Mukul Rohatgi sought 10,000 cusecs of water be released by Karnataka in the interim, to make up for the water shortage in the state, Bar and Bench news outlet reported. Tamil Nadu seeks more water for standing crops But the senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Karnataka government, said that the state government won’t be able to comply with the request due to a shortage of rainfall this year. Advocate Divan said that Karnataka had already discharged water as mandated by CWMA and added that it takes three days for it to travel to Tamil Nadu. But Rohatgi said that water has not been made available to the lower riparian state despite orders from CWMA. Then Justice Gavai said, "Why do you not go before the authority? We do not have expertise in this. How can we pass any order? Please approach the authorities." Justice Narasimha later said that the authority's orders were not being complied with. Rohatgi informed the court that the Tamil Nadu state was also running out of water and that there was a “huge deficit”. Hearing now on Sept 1 Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the central government, then informed the apex court Bench that the CWMA would be meeting on Monday, following which the court listed the next hearing on September 1. Also read | Ukraine's F-16 pilots to start training in US in September: Pentagon The Karnataka government has earlier described as "wholly misconceived" Tamil Nadu's plea seeking a direction from the top court seeking release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for standing crops. Also read | BRICS summit: India dismisses China's claim that New Delhi made a request for Modi-Xi meet In an affidavit, it said that Tamil Nadu's plea was based on an incorrect assumption that "the current water year is a normal water year and not a distressed water year". Rainfall has been 25 per cent lower and the water inflow into Karnataka's four reservoirs 42.5 per cent lesser, the affidavit said, adding that the stipulated release shall not be applicable this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Cauvery row: SC defers order on Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking more water

The Supreme Court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-dispute-supreme-court-reserves-order-on-centres-dr">has approved government's draft</a> Cauvery management scheme for the smooth distribution of water among four states - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry.

India's top court dismissed Tamil Nadu's plea seeking initiation of contempt against Centre for the non-finalisation of Cauvery scheme.&nbsp;

The apex court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-tells-centre-it-is-in-sheer-contempt-for-not-framing-cauvery-water-sharing-plan-135512">said the Cauvery Tribunal Award</a> has to be taken to its logical conclusion by the Cauvery management scheme.

The Supreme Court also rejected the suggestion of Karnataka and Kerala governments for the scheme, terming it as devoid of merits.

The apex court while delivering the verdict in February had asked the government to frame the Cauvery management scheme, including the creation of the Cauvery management board for the release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

The Court had earlier rapped the Centre for failing to fame a scheme for the distribution of water to the four states, declaring that it was "sheer contempt" of its direction.

The Supreme Court had raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin.

&nbsp;

India's top court dismissed Tamil Nadu's plea seeking initiation of contempt against Centre for the non-finalisation of Cauvery scheme.

The Supreme Court has approved government's draft Cauvery management scheme for the smooth distribution of water among four states - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. India's top court dismissed Tamil Nadu's plea seeking initiation of contempt against Centre for the non-finalisation of Cauvery scheme. The apex court said the Cauvery Tribunal Award has to be taken to its logical conclusion by the Cauvery management scheme. The Supreme Court also rejected the suggestion of Karnataka and Kerala governments for the scheme, terming it as devoid of merits. The apex court while delivering the verdict in February had asked the government to frame the Cauvery management scheme, including the creation of the Cauvery management board for the release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. The Court had earlier rapped the Centre for failing to fame a scheme for the distribution of water to the four states, declaring that it was "sheer contempt" of its direction. The Supreme Court had raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin.

Supreme Court approves government's draft on Cauvery management scheme

TTV Dinakaran on Thursday blamed the central and state governments of inaction over the Cauvery issue.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader was participating in a demonstration demanding setting up of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) in Chennai.

Hitting out at&nbsp;chief minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, the R K Nagar MLA said that they had betrayed people of Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue.

Dinakaran said he would stage demonstrations in Karur, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur to pressure the Centre to set up the CMB.&nbsp;

Dinakaran was participating in a demonstration demanding setting up of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) here.

TTV Dinakaran on Thursday blamed the central and state governments of inaction over the Cauvery issue. Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader was participating in a demonstration demanding setting up of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) in Chennai. Hitting out at chief minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, the R K Nagar MLA said that they had betrayed people of Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue. Dinakaran said he would stage demonstrations in Karur, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur to pressure the Centre to set up the CMB.

Centre, state government 'betrayed' people of Tamil Nadu over Cauvery row: Dinakaran

PM Modi will arrive in Chennai today to officially inaugurate the four-day-long DefExpo on the outskirts of Chennai.

Heavy security is in place as PM Modi arrives in Chennai with DMK working president M K Stalin declaring that people would hoist black flags atop their houses during PM Modi's visit over the government's &nbsp;"inaction" on the Cauvery issue.

On Wednesday, the Indian Premier League(IPL) cricket tournament was shifted from the city over the Cauvery row after protesters demonstrated outside the stadium. Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers.

&nbsp;Rajinikanth had said&nbsp;he felt "embarrassed" that the IPL matches are being held in the city. The BCCI confirmed on Wednesday evening that Chennai will no longer host the IPL matches in the city as a result.

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Security tightened outside Chennai airport ahead of PM Modi's arrival. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CauveryProtests?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CauveryProtests</a> <a href="https://t.co/LogJRIMYRF">pic.twitter.com/LogJRIMYRF</a>
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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said though the Prime Minister will be fasting, he will be inaugurating the defence expo in Chennai.

Modi and other BJP leaders are slated to observe a day-long fast today to protest against the "washout" of the Budget session of Parliament due to disruptions by the Opposition.

According to the Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms including 154 foreign manufacturers are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware.

It is being attended by official delegations from over 47 countries including the US, the UK, Russia, Afghanistan and Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam.

Heavy security is in place as PM Modi arrives in Chennai with DMK working president M K Stalin declaring that people would hoist black flags atop their houses

PM Modi will arrive in Chennai today to officially inaugurate the four-day-long DefExpo on the outskirts of Chennai. Heavy security is in place as PM Modi arrives in Chennai with DMK working president M K Stalin declaring that people would hoist black flags atop their houses during PM Modi's visit over the government's "inaction" on the Cauvery issue. On Wednesday, the Indian Premier League(IPL) cricket tournament was shifted from the city over the Cauvery row after protesters demonstrated outside the stadium. Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers. Rajinikanth had said he felt "embarrassed" that the IPL matches are being held in the city. The BCCI confirmed on Wednesday evening that Chennai will no longer host the IPL matches in the city as a result. Security tightened outside Chennai airport ahead of PM Modi's arrival. #CauveryProtests pic.twitter.com/LogJRIMYRF — ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2018 × Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said though the Prime Minister will be fasting, he will be inaugurating the defence expo in Chennai. Modi and other BJP leaders are slated to observe a day-long fast today to protest against the "washout" of the Budget session of Parliament due to disruptions by the Opposition. According to the Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms including 154 foreign manufacturers are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware. It is being attended by official delegations from over 47 countries including the US, the UK, Russia, Afghanistan and Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam.

Watch: PM Modi to arrive in Chennai today as Cauvery row takes centrestage

Amidst the battle between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-row-rajinikanth-says-centre-will-earn-tamil-nadus-wrath-if-it-drags-feet-galaxy-of-actors-at-protest-129097">Cauvery issue</a>, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth said that it is important to focus on the Cauvery matter rather than the cricket IPL.&nbsp;

Stating that it is "embarrassing"&nbsp;to hold Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Chennai, while the state is grappling with Cauvery row, Rajinikanth said that it would be better if the matches are not played in Chennai and be more <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-management-board-protest-tamil-nadu-farmers-bury-themselves-in-sand-128807">sensitive to the farmers</a>&nbsp;hit with severe shortage of water.&nbsp;

He even requested BCCI to allow Chennai players to wear<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-wants-chennai-players-to-wear-black-armbands-this-is-why-129122"> black bands</a> and play matches in support of the Cauvery issue.&nbsp;

The superstar said the Chennai team ought to fight for the people.

"If not then at least acknowledge the fight of the people of Tamil Nadu. Our team should wear a black band. Those who go for the match can also wear a black band."

Previously, Kamal Hassan had also voiced his concerns over hosting IPL matches in Chennai.&nbsp;

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Vijay, Surya, Sathyaraj, Sivakumar, Nassar, Vishal, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan on Sunday observed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-cauvery-management-board-protest-dmk-threatens-cmb-protest-may-snowball-to-demand-for-separate-state-of-tamil-nadu-128976">silent protest demanding</a> the creation of the Cauvery Management Board.&nbsp;

Calling the setting up of Cauvery Management Board a fair demand, Rajinikanth said that that the Centre should pay it immediate attention. “I’d like to tell the Centre that, what every Tamilan unanimously wants is CBM. If you don’t set up the board at the earliest, you will be subjected to the anger and disappointment of every Tamilan,” Rajinikanth said.

He also said people from different walks of life have been protesting across Tamil Nadu for the welfare of poor farmers.

“To many, it’s unclear who we are protesting for. We are not protesting for the benefits of rich farmers with hundreds of acres of land. We are doing it for poor farmers whose livelihood depends on the farm produce they make from a piece of land they own,” he said adding that even though Karnataka’s politicians might not understand the agony, the poor farmers of Karnataka will.

Tamil Nadu has moved a contempt plea in the Supreme Court, seeking action against the Centre for allegedly failing to form the Cauvery Management Board within six weeks as ordered by the court on February 16.

He even requested BCCI to allow Chennai players to wear black bands and play matches in support of Cauvery issue

Amidst the battle between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery issue, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth said that it is important to focus on the Cauvery matter rather than the cricket IPL. Stating that it is "embarrassing" to hold Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Chennai, while the state is grappling with Cauvery row, Rajinikanth said that it would be better if the matches are not played in Chennai and be more sensitive to the farmers hit with severe shortage of water. He even requested BCCI to allow Chennai players to wear black bands and play matches in support of the Cauvery issue. The superstar said the Chennai team ought to fight for the people. "If not then at least acknowledge the fight of the people of Tamil Nadu. Our team should wear a black band. Those who go for the match can also wear a black band." Previously, Kamal Hassan had also voiced his concerns over hosting IPL matches in Chennai. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Vijay, Surya, Sathyaraj, Sivakumar, Nassar, Vishal, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan on Sunday observed a silent protest demanding the creation of the Cauvery Management Board. Calling the setting up of Cauvery Management Board a fair demand, Rajinikanth said that that the Centre should pay it immediate attention. “I’d like to tell the Centre that, what every Tamilan unanimously wants is CBM. If you don’t set up the board at the earliest, you will be subjected to the anger and disappointment of every Tamilan,” Rajinikanth said. He also said people from different walks of life have been protesting across Tamil Nadu for the welfare of poor farmers. “To many, it’s unclear who we are protesting for. We are not protesting for the benefits of rich farmers with hundreds of acres of land. We are doing it for poor farmers whose livelihood depends on the farm produce they make from a piece of land they own,” he said adding that even though Karnataka’s politicians might not understand the agony, the poor farmers of Karnataka will. Tamil Nadu has moved a contempt plea in the Supreme Court, seeking action against the Centre for allegedly failing to form the Cauvery Management Board within six weeks as ordered by the court on February 16.

'Would be better if IPL matches are not played in Chennai,' says Rajinikanth amid Cauvery row

India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu is bracing for a dawn-to- dusk bandh (strike) supported by opposition parties tomorrow on the Cauvery with police deploying thousands of personnel across the state to ensure peace even as a youth set himself on fire today over the water sharing row. 
 
The bandh call given by several farmers and traders bodies, including Tamil Nadu All Farmers&#39; Federations and Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu (a traders&#39; collective) is supported by main opposition party DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, MDMK, PMK, TMC, CPI(M), and CPI. 
 
Protesters have also called for rail and road &#39;rokos&#39; or strikes. 
 
Primarily to protest the violence targeted against the Tamils in Karnataka, the bandh is also aimed at seeking Cauvery water for the state and a final solution to the problem. 
 
Ruling AIADMK and trade unions affiliated to it have been non-committal on their participation in the bandh. 
 
After Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah wrote to his Tamil Nadu counterpart Jayalalithaa, urging her to ensure protection of Kannada speaking people, police said all measures have been taken to ensure peace. 
 
Thousands of police personnel, including armed reserves will be deployed in Chennai and other parts of the state. 
 
Over 15,000 police personnel will be on duty. 
 
Protection was being provided to Karnataka-related business establishments, schools, institutions and areas where Kannada speaking people live, including Krishnagiri district. 
 
Commercial firms, including over 35,000 jewellery and fuel outlets are expected to remaine closed. However &#39;Company Owned and Company Operated Fuel Outlets&#39; of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil will operate, officials said. 
 
While sporadic demonstrations were held today too, a 24-year-old man set himself on fire at a rally held by Nam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) here for &quot;retrieving Tamil Nadu&#39;s rights in Cauvery&quot;, and to condemn attacks on the Tamils in Karnataka. 
 
An official of the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital, where he has been admitted, told PTI the &quot;man has sustained 93 per cent burns, his chances of survival are dim.&quot; 
&quot;It is a painful act. We do not support it. No one should do such a thing,&quot; NTK leader Seeman said. 
 
Before he set himself afire, he threw pamphlets urging people to fight for rights of Tamil Nadu people on Cauvery and other issues. Blaming the Centre on Cauvery, unidentified persons pelted stones at an office of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and some glass panes were damaged, police said. 
 
Tamil outfits in Union Territory of Puducherry have called for a similar bandh tomorrow. 
 
Chennai-specific local and MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) trains, and metro rail will function as usual, authorities said. 
 
Similarly, state-aided and government schools are all set to work as usual. As regards private schools and colleges, only a section of them are participating in the bandh. 
 
Autos, taxis, trucks, private buses, commercial freight services, are, however, slated to keep off the roads. 
In a joint statement, Tamil film industry representatives including producers, directors, actors, workmen, theatre owners, and small screen artistes said they will participate in the bandh. 
 
K R Nandakumar, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Nursery Primary Matriculation and CBSE (private) Schools Association, said circulars have been sent to 18,000 schools in the state about the body&#39;s decision to close down educational institutions on Friday on account of the bandh. The quarterly exams scheduled for tomorrow have been proposed to be conducted on Saturday, he told PTI. 
 
TN Private Schools Association President R Visalaksh, however, said, &quot;we are supporting the bandh cause, but, we are not participating as rescheduling exams is not possible.&quot; 
 
Vegetable and milk vendors will also join the bandh, members of respective organisations said. Further, vegetable vendors will down shutters. 
 
V R Sounderrajan, Advisor, All Wholesale Traders&#39; Association at the Koyambedu market in Chennai, said thousands of vegetable vendors and related workers would participate in the bandh by staying away from work. 
Tamil Nadu Milk Agents Welfare Association Founder and President, S A Ponnusamy said &quot;Since over 75 lakh retail vendors and 1.5 lakh agents will be participating in the bandh, there will be a 50-60 per cent shortage in supply.&quot; 
 
Though it is a dawn-to-dusk bandh, vendors and agents will participate only between 9 AM and 5 PM by closing distribution centres and retail outlets, keeping in view needs of children, senior citizens and patients, he added. 
In neighbouring union territory of Puducherry, more than 30 Tamil fringe outfits have announced a 12-hour bandh. 
 
DMK&#39;s local unit announced its support to the bandh while Puducherry Traders Federation said all business establishments will remain closed tomorrow. 
 
&quot;.... All necessary steps have been taken to ensure that law and order does not face any setback,&quot; Puducherry chief secretary Manoj Parida said.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

The two southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have for years been fighting over the waters of the Cauvery river

India's southern state of Tamil Nadu is bracing for a dawn-to- dusk bandh (strike) supported by opposition parties tomorrow on the Cauvery with police deploying thousands of personnel across the state to ensure peace even as a youth set himself on fire today over the water sharing row. The bandh call given by several farmers and traders bodies, including Tamil Nadu All Farmers' Federations and Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu (a traders' collective) is supported by main opposition party DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, MDMK, PMK, TMC, CPI(M), and CPI. Protesters have also called for rail and road 'rokos' or strikes. Primarily to protest the violence targeted against the Tamils in Karnataka, the bandh is also aimed at seeking Cauvery water for the state and a final solution to the problem. Ruling AIADMK and trade unions affiliated to it have been non-committal on their participation in the bandh. After Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah wrote to his Tamil Nadu counterpart Jayalalithaa, urging her to ensure protection of Kannada speaking people, police said all measures have been taken to ensure peace. Thousands of police personnel, including armed reserves will be deployed in Chennai and other parts of the state. Over 15,000 police personnel will be on duty. Protection was being provided to Karnataka-related business establishments, schools, institutions and areas where Kannada speaking people live, including Krishnagiri district. Commercial firms, including over 35,000 jewellery and fuel outlets are expected to remaine closed. However 'Company Owned and Company Operated Fuel Outlets' of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil will operate, officials said. While sporadic demonstrations were held today too, a 24-year-old man set himself on fire at a rally held by Nam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) here for "retrieving Tamil Nadu's rights in Cauvery", and to condemn attacks on the Tamils in Karnataka. An official of the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital, where he has been admitted, told PTI the "man has sustained 93 per cent burns, his chances of survival are dim." "It is a painful act. We do not support it. No one should do such a thing," NTK leader Seeman said. Before he set himself afire, he threw pamphlets urging people to fight for rights of Tamil Nadu people on Cauvery and other issues. Blaming the Centre on Cauvery, unidentified persons pelted stones at an office of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and some glass panes were damaged, police said. Tamil outfits in Union Territory of Puducherry have called for a similar bandh tomorrow. Chennai-specific local and MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) trains, and metro rail will function as usual, authorities said. Similarly, state-aided and government schools are all set to work as usual. As regards private schools and colleges, only a section of them are participating in the bandh. Autos, taxis, trucks, private buses, commercial freight services, are, however, slated to keep off the roads. In a joint statement, Tamil film industry representatives including producers, directors, actors, workmen, theatre owners, and small screen artistes said they will participate in the bandh. K R Nandakumar, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Nursery Primary Matriculation and CBSE (private) Schools Association, said circulars have been sent to 18,000 schools in the state about the body's decision to close down educational institutions on Friday on account of the bandh. The quarterly exams scheduled for tomorrow have been proposed to be conducted on Saturday, he told PTI. TN Private Schools Association President R Visalaksh, however, said, "we are supporting the bandh cause, but, we are not participating as rescheduling exams is not possible." Vegetable and milk vendors will also join the bandh, members of respective organisations said. Further, vegetable vendors will down shutters. V R Sounderrajan, Advisor, All Wholesale Traders' Association at the Koyambedu market in Chennai, said thousands of vegetable vendors and related workers would participate in the bandh by staying away from work. Tamil Nadu Milk Agents Welfare Association Founder and President, S A Ponnusamy said "Since over 75 lakh retail vendors and 1.5 lakh agents will be participating in the bandh, there will be a 50-60 per cent shortage in supply." Though it is a dawn-to-dusk bandh, vendors and agents will participate only between 9 AM and 5 PM by closing distribution centres and retail outlets, keeping in view needs of children, senior citizens and patients, he added. In neighbouring union territory of Puducherry, more than 30 Tamil fringe outfits have announced a 12-hour bandh. DMK's local unit announced its support to the bandh while Puducherry Traders Federation said all business establishments will remain closed tomorrow. ".... All necessary steps have been taken to ensure that law and order does not face any setback," Puducherry chief secretary Manoj Parida said. (PTI)

Cauvery water row: Tamil Nadu man sets himself on fire, state braces for strike

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