Incessant rainfall in Western Ghats triggers flood fears in Belagavi district
Belagavi: Continuous heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and the catchment areas of major rivers has raised concerns over potential flooding in Belagavi district. The region has been receiving significant downpours for the past three days, leading to a sharp increase in water levels at the Naviluteertha and Hidkal reservoirs.
Belagavi city itself has been experiencing unrelenting rainfall over the past few days, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperatures and heightening concerns about an outbreak of waterborne diseases. The situation is further aggravated by heavy rainfall in the Koyna, Mahabaleshwar, Warana, and Kolhapur regions of neighboring Maharashtra, which has intensified fears of flooding in Belagavi district.
According to the Revenue Department, Kanakumbi in Khanapur taluk received 130 mm of rain in 24 hours, while other areas such as Asoga, Gunji, Londa, Nagargali, Jamboti, Khanapur, and Kakkeri reported rainfall between 55 mm and 95 mm. The Krishna River, one of the main rivers in the region, recorded a water flow of 65,000 cusecs near Kalloli in Chikkodi taluk on Monday. Other rivers, including the Malaprabha, Mahadayi, and Pandari, are also swollen, further exacerbating the situation.
The heavy rainfall has disrupted daily life in Belagavi district, with several bridges over the Vedaganga and Doodhganga rivers submerged once again. Many villagers are facing difficulties as both bridges and roads leading to their villages are flooded, bringing agricultural activities to a standstill.
The Naviluteertha reservoir, which has a capacity of 37.7 tmcft, currently holds 35.6 tmcft of water. On Monday, the reservoir recorded an inflow of 11,615 cusecs, prompting the release of 9,444 cusecs of water. Executive Engineer Vivek Mudigaudar has advised residents living near the river to remain vigilant as the outflow increases.
Meanwhile, the Hidkal reservoir, with a capacity of 51 tmcft, has reached 50.2 tmcft. The reservoir recorded an inflow of 14,588 cusecs on Monday, and the outflow was increased to 16,833 cusecs. This has led to flooding of bridges and barrages in Mudalagi taluk, disrupting traffic in more than 20 villages.
Revenue Department officials have assured that the flood situation has not yet reached a critical level. They remain in constant contact with relevant authorities to manage the situation and mitigate any potential risks.
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Fire at mass marriage event attended by Dy CM Shivakumar, nobody affected
Raichur (Karnataka) (PTI): Fire broke out near the stage of the mass marriage event that was attended by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar here, police said on Sunday.
Nobody was affected, and the fire was immediately put out, they said.
The fire was noticed shortly after Shivakumar and other dignitaries left the stage, and Forest Minister Eshwaran Khandre was speaking to the media at the venue in Sindhanur, officials said.
According to officials, wires, speakers, and cloth materials near the stage caught fire, allegedly due to a short circuit.
Police personnel present at the spot quickly swung into action and extinguished the fire.
The programme was halted for some time and resumed later, they said.
Several ministers, legislators and political leaders from the region, and actor Sudeep had attended the event.
