<p>The Bengaluru City Police have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities ahead of the Karnataka bandh on Thursday (Aug 13), amid protests over the Cauvery water dispute.</p><p>In a statement issued on Wednesday (Aug 12) ahead of the Karnataka Bandh, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said several organisations had called for the statewide bandh against the Cauvery Water Management Authority's order on water allocation to Tamil Nadu. At the same time, some organisations have informed the police that they do not support the shutdown.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bandh-tomorrow-what-s-open-what-s-closed-on-august-13-schools-transport-and-border-impact-decoded-1786518579218"><strong>Karnataka Bandh today: What’s open, what’s closed on August 13? Schools, transport, and border impact decoded</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Police warn against forced shutdowns</strong></h2><p>The police said citizens have a democratic right to protest peacefully, but stressed that this cannot come at the expense of others' right to go about their daily lives.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO | Mandya, Karnataka: Pro-Kannada groups protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, urging the state government not to release water. Police security tightened in the district amid a call for a bandh.<br><br>(Full video available on PTI Videos -… <a href="https://t.co/UBvbkbzx9t">pic.twitter.com/UBvbkbzx9t</a></p>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2087742496067764274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The department specifically warned that no individual or organisation should force people to join the bandh, threaten them into closing shops or establishments, block roads or compel anyone to participate in protests.</p><p>Any violence, threats, damage to public or private property, obstruction of traffic or essential services, or attempts to take the law into one's own hands will be dealt with "firmly and appropriately in accordance with the law", the police said.</p><h2><strong>Schools, offices, shops expected to remain open</strong></h2><p>For Bengaluru residents, the police statement indicates that normal activity is expected to continue during the bandh.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="hi" dir="ltr">मांड्या, कर्नाटक: कावेरी मुद्दे को लेकर पूरे कर्नाटक में बंद मनाया जा रहा है, जिसमें किसान, कन्नड़ संगठन, व्यापारी, ऑटो ड्राइवर और अन्य संगठन शामिल हैं। दुकानें और होटल बंद हैं, सड़कों पर ट्रैफिक कम है और पुलिस की कड़ी तैनाती के साथ-साथ शराब की बिक्री पर भी रोक लगाई गई है। <a href="https://t.co/CUhuCWEWMg">pic.twitter.com/CUhuCWEWMg</a></p>&mdash; IANS Hindi (@IANSKhabar) <a href="https://x.com/IANSKhabar/status/2087743037556641918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Schools and colleges, offices, shops and commercial establishments, public transport and other regular services are expected to function as usual. Residents have been asked to continue their daily activities without fear or apprehension.</p><p>However, the statement does not rule out the possibility of disruptions arising from protests or localised incidents.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-tukaram-mundhe-ias-officer-gets-standing-ovation-amid-maharashtra-food-crackdown-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-life-singham-watch-1786430772680"><strong>Who's Tukaram Mundhe? IAS gets standing ovation amid Maharashtra food crackdown</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Security stepped up across Bengaluru</strong></h2><p>The police said precautionary measures have already been put in place across the city. Adequate personnel have been deployed at important and sensitive locations, while additional patrolling and security arrangements are being carried out to maintain public order.</p><p>"Bengaluru City has always demonstrated a spirit of peace, mutual respect, and cooperation. In order to uphold this tradition, all members of organisations and the general public are requested to extend their full cooperation to the Bengaluru City Police and help ensure that the city remains peaceful, safe and normal," the Commissioner said.</p><p>The appeal comes as pro-Kannada organisations prepare for the statewide shutdown over the Cauvery water issue. The bandh is scheduled to take place from 6 am to 6 pm on August 13.<br> </p>

Bengaluru Police have urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities during Thursday's Karnataka bandh over the Cauvery water dispute. Schools, offices, shops, and public transport are expected to function, while police have warned against forced shutdowns.

The Bengaluru City Police have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities ahead of the Karnataka bandh on Thursday (Aug 13), amid protests over the Cauvery water dispute. In a statement issued on Wednesday (Aug 12) ahead of the Karnataka Bandh, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said several organisations had called for the statewide bandh against the Cauvery Water Management Authority's order on water allocation to Tamil Nadu. At the same time, some organisations have informed the police that they do not support the shutdown. Also read | Karnataka Bandh today: What’s open, what’s closed on August 13? Schools, transport, and border impact decoded Police warn against forced shutdowns The police said citizens have a democratic right to protest peacefully, but stressed that this cannot come at the expense of others' right to go about their daily lives.

<p>Bengaluru Police have urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities during Thursday's Karnataka bandh over the Cauvery water dispute. Schools, offices, shops, and public transport are expected to function, while police have warned against forced shutdowns.</p>

Karnataka Bandh today: Police issue BIG warning against forced participation, reveal what's open in Bengaluru

<p>Karnataka is facing a 12-hour bandh on Thursday (Aug 13). Will the entire state be shut down? The protest, scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, is being organised by pro-Kannada groups, including Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, over the long-running Cauvery water dispute. The organisations are also demanding progress on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri projects.</p><p>For people living in Karnataka, however, the immediate concern is more practical: will they be able to get to work, send their children to school, or travel across the state? Here is what we know so far.</p><h2><strong>Will Schools remain open during the Karnataka bandh?</strong></h2><p>Students are unlikely to get an unexpected holiday on Thursday. Schools are expected to remain open after the Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka withdrew its earlier call for an education shutdown.</p><p>However, that does not rule out school-level decisions. Institutions located in areas where protests or traffic restrictions develop could make separate arrangements.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-tukaram-mundhe-ias-officer-gets-standing-ovation-amid-maharashtra-food-crackdown-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-life-singham-watch-1786430772680"><strong>Who's Tukaram Mundhe? IAS gets standing ovation amid Maharashtra food crackdown</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Office-goers may face a bigger problem</strong></h2><p>There is no statewide directive for corporate offices or other workplaces to close. Most offices are therefore expected to function normally. However, the difficulty could come during the commute, particularly if buses, taxis or major roads are affected.</p><h2><strong>Are banks open or closed during bandh?</strong></h2><p>Banks are expected to remain operational.</p><h2><strong>Public transport could be the real disruption</strong></h2><p>Buses, cabs, and taxis are among the services most likely to feel the impact of the bandh. Protests, road blockades, and diversions could disrupt regular routes. Interstate journeys may also take longer, especially on routes connecting Karnataka with Tamil Nadu.</p><p>The Attibele border is one area commuters should watch closely. The crossing sees heavy movement of buses, freight vehicles, and private cars, and protest activity has already affected traffic there.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-leads-mass-anti-drug-pledge-for-school-students-1786431072899"><strong>Tamil Nadu CM Vijay leads mass anti-drug pledge for school students</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What about shops? Would they be closed?</strong></h2><p>There is no indication that every commercial establishment will be forced to close. Some shops and markets may shut voluntarily in support of the protest, while others could continue trading. Restaurants and hotels may also make their own decisions.</p><p>Notably, Vatal Nagaraj has specifically appealed to hotel owners in Bengaluru and Mysuru to keep their establishments closed.</p><p>Hospitals and pharmacies should remain open</p><p>Essential services are expected to be exempt from the disruption. Hospitals, medical shops and emergency services are expected to continue functioning, so people needing urgent medical assistance should not be affected by the shutdown in the same way as regular commuters.</p><h2><strong>Why are Kannada groups protesting?</strong></h2><p>The immediate trigger is the Cauvery water dispute. Pro-Kannada organisations are opposing the Cauvery Water Management Authority's direction on releasing around 12,000 cusecs of water for another 15 days to Tamil Nadu. Their demands also include movement on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri projects.</p><p>Nagaraj has claimed that more than 2,000 pro-Kannada organisations have backed the bandh.</p><p>Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to him to withdraw the call. Nagaraj has rejected the appeal and is proceeding with the protest.</p><h2><strong>What this means for August 13</strong></h2><p>There is unlikely to be a blanket shutdown across Karnataka. Schools, offices, banks, and hospitals are expected to function.</p><p>The biggest uncertainty is expected to be transport. Buses, taxis and interstate traffic could be disrupted, while shops, markets, hotels, and restaurants may open or close depending on local participation.</p>

Karnataka is bracing for a 12-hour bandh on August 13, but the state is unlikely to come to a complete standstill. Here is where disruption is most likely.

Karnataka is facing a 12-hour bandh on Thursday (Aug 13). Will the entire state be shut down? The protest, scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, is being organised by pro-Kannada groups, including Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, over the long-running Cauvery water dispute. The organisations are also demanding progress on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri projects. For people living in Karnataka, however, the immediate concern is more practical: will they be able to get to work, send their children to school, or travel across the state? Here is what we know so far. Will Schools remain open during the Karnataka bandh? Students are unlikely to get an unexpected holiday on Thursday. Schools are expected to remain open after the Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka withdrew its earlier call for an education shutdown. However, that does not rule out school-level decisions. Institutions located in areas where protests or traffic restrictions develop could make separate arrangements. Also read | Who's Tukaram Mundhe? IAS gets standing ovation amid Maharashtra food crackdown Office-goers may face a bigger problem There is no statewide directive for corporate offices or other workplaces to close. Most offices are therefore expected to function normally. However, the difficulty could come during the commute, particularly if buses, taxis or major roads are affected. Are banks open or closed during bandh? Banks are expected to remain operational. Public transport could be the real disruption Buses, cabs, and taxis are among the services most likely to feel the impact of the bandh. Protests, road blockades, and diversions could disrupt regular routes. Interstate journeys may also take longer, especially on routes connecting Karnataka with Tamil Nadu. The Attibele border is one area commuters should watch closely. The crossing sees heavy movement of buses, freight vehicles, and private cars, and protest activity has already affected traffic there. Also read | Tamil Nadu CM Vijay leads mass anti-drug pledge for school students What about shops? Would they be closed? There is no indication that every commercial establishment will be forced to close. Some shops and markets may shut voluntarily in support of the protest, while others could continue trading. Restaurants and hotels may also make their own decisions. Notably, Vatal Nagaraj has specifically appealed to hotel owners in Bengaluru and Mysuru to keep their establishments closed. Hospitals and pharmacies should remain open Essential services are expected to be exempt from the disruption. Hospitals, medical shops and emergency services are expected to continue functioning, so people needing urgent medical assistance should not be affected by the shutdown in the same way as regular commuters. Why are Kannada groups protesting? The immediate trigger is the Cauvery water dispute. Pro-Kannada organisations are opposing the Cauvery Water Management Authority's direction on releasing around 12,000 cusecs of water for another 15 days to Tamil Nadu. Their demands also include movement on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri projects. Nagaraj has claimed that more than 2,000 pro-Kannada organisations have backed the bandh. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to him to withdraw the call. Nagaraj has rejected the appeal and is proceeding with the protest. What this means for August 13 There is unlikely to be a blanket shutdown across Karnataka. Schools, offices, banks, and hospitals are expected to function. The biggest uncertainty is expected to be transport. Buses, taxis and interstate traffic could be disrupted, while shops, markets, hotels, and restaurants may open or close depending on local participation.

<p>Karnataka is facing a 12-hour bandh today (August 13), but the state is unlikely to come to a complete standstill. Here is where disruption is most likely.</p>

Karnataka Bandh today: What’s open, what’s closed on August 13? Schools, transport, and border impact decoded

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Karnataka Bandh today: Police issue BIG warning against forced participation, reveal what's open in Bengaluru

Karnataka Bandh today: Are schools, banks, and hospitals open?