Pro-Kannada organisations have called for a statewide bandh in Karnataka on August 13 to protest the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute, escalating pressure on the state and Centre over the long-running inter-state river issue.The bandh call was announced by an umbrella body of Kannada organisations, which said the shutdown was aimed at opposing developments related to the Cauvery dispute and demanding that Karnataka's interests over the river waters be protected. Farmers' groups and several pro-Kannada organisations are expected to participate in the protest.Also Read: Cauvery water: Will not allow any project that adversely affects water sharing, says BJP TN spokesperson Narayanan ThirupathyThe bandh comes amid renewed tensions over the Cauvery dispute, which has repeatedly triggered protests in Karnataka whenever issues relating to water sharing with Tamil Nadu have resurfaced. Similar protests in the past have disrupted normal life in Bengaluru and several districts, with transport services, schools and businesses affected.Also Read: Karnataka: CM DK Shivakumar offers copter ride to TN CM Vijay for aerial survey of Cauvery basinThe Karnataka government is expected to review the law and order situation ahead of the proposed shutdown, while police are likely to step up security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.