New Delhi/Bengaluru: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu instead of 15,000 cusecs.

Karnataka will have to release 12,000 cusecs of water per day till September 20.

“Tell your governments they have to implement the order and maintain law and order,” the court told the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments.

The Apex Court had on September 5 directed Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water. Protests erupted in several parts of the state and Karnataka witnessed a bandh on September 9 due to the Cauvery issue.

The modified order issued by the Supreme Court on Monday has created a tense situation in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Protests have yet again erupted and section 144 has been imposed in the state capital and some areas in Mysuru. Bus service to Tamil Nadu from Bengaluru has been suspended. Several vehicles have been damaged in the violence.

Metro services in Bengaluru have closed down; schools have been shut and children sent home as a precautionary measure.