India, Aug. 12 -- Karnataka is preparing for a statewide bandh on Thursday, August 13, with pro-Kannada organisations calling for a shutdown over the Cauvery water dispute and demands for progress on projects including Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri. The bandh has been announced from 6 am to 6 pm, although the impact is expected to differ across cities and districts.

The planned protest has already affected movement at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Kannada activist groups blocked the Attibele border earlier this week, raising concerns about possible traffic and transport disruptions on the main bandh day.

For residents, commuters, students and businesses, the key question is what will actually remain operational on August 13. ...