Chennai, Apr 5 (PTI): The DMK-led bandh, demanding an early establishment of Cauvery Management Board to ensure water for farmers according to the Supreme Court orders, began in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

Retail outlets, grocery shops and establishments were closed in most of the places across the state, including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts of Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur.

Banks, pharmacies, hospitals and schools remained open.

Due to the backing of key opposition-affiliated trade unions, including DMK's LPF and CPI's CITU, the operation of state-run buses was affected.

The shutdown for Cauvery Board was marked by protest demonstrations and impromptu rallies.

The shut down was marked by DMK working president M.K. Stalin holding a black flag and leading a rally of opposition parties with thousands of various parties' cadres participating in it.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su Thirunavukkarasar and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavalavan too were accompanying Stalin.

In Tiruchirappalli, former minister and DMK strongman KN Nehru was leading a rally.

The DMK and other opposition parties have been staging protests across the state for the past four days over the issue.