IMD changes warning to red alert in 7 districts of Karnataka; Bengaluru still under orange category
Bengaluru, May 20 (PTI): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday evening upgraded the earlier warning to red alert in seven coastal and south interior districts of Karnataka.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru, despite consistent rainfall throughout the day is still under the Orange alert category.
The state capital registered 0.4 mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm on Tuesday.
As per the latest bulletin, the seven districts, which include Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan, will have extremely heavy to heavy rainfall, hailstorm and strong surface winds in the night.
IMD has also issued flash flood warnings in all seven districts.
“Surface runoff/inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils and low lying areas due to expected rainfall occurrence in the next 24 hours,” read the warning.
In Bengaluru, weather experts said the situation is stabilizing with thunderstorms moving towards Northwest Bengaluru rapidly.
According to IMD, “The conditions are likely to become favourable for Monsoon onset over Kerala during next four to five days.”
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Rare Kalyani Chalukya-era stepwell discovered in Karnataka’s Gadag district
Gadag: A centuries-old stepwell from the Kalyani Chalukya period is discovered into public in Sudi, a remote village in Karnataka’s Gadag district. The Nagakunda Pushkarani, dating to the 10th-11th century CE, is undergoing extensive restoration under the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage’s ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme.
The stepwell was focal point of community life and craftsmanship under the reign of Akkadevi, sister of Chalukya king Jayasimha II. It shows the dynasty’s mastery of architecture and water management. Its interior walls are carved with the precision of temple façades, setting it apart from most surviving stepwells in southern India, linking it stylistically to examples in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
After centuries of neglect left its sculptures weathered and its waters dry, the site is now being revived by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India in partnership with Heritage Matters, the Gandipet Welfare Society and the Water Literacy Foundation according to a report published by The HIndu. Work includes structural repairs, removal of invasive vegetation, dredging, stone resetting and landscaping, alongside the restoration of an adjacent mantapa with a large Ganesha idol.
Heritage architect B. Sarath Chandra noted, the project is as much about functionality as aesthetics, with water recharge efforts already underway. Funded by Gandipet Welfare Society founder Rajashree Pinnamenni, the restoration is slated for completion by late 2025, followed by a second phase linking the stepwell to the Jodu Kalasadagudi temple through landscaped pathways.
The report mentions that officials say the revival of Nagakunda Pushkarani could not only reintroduce Sudi’s Chalukya heritage to a wider audience but also serve as a model for conserving other lesser-known monuments across Karnataka.
