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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Karnataka bypolls: Over 60 per cent voter turnout in Bagalkot, Davanagere South till 5 pm
Bengaluru (PTI): Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in both Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, where bypolls were held on Thursday.
While the turnout in Bagalkot was 65.68 per cent, it was 63.04 per cent in Davanagere South.
While the ruling Congress faces the challenge of retaining both seats, the BJP aims to wrest them and deliver a setback to its rival, which is currently witnessing an "internal power struggle" over leadership.
The bypolls were necessitated due to the demise of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti (Bagalkot) and Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South).
A total of over 2.59 lakh eligible voters are expected to cast their votes at around 319 polling stations in Bagalkot, where nine candidates are in the fray.
In Davanagere South, over 2.31 lakh eligible voters are expected to vote across 284 polling stations, with 25 candidates contesting.
The BJP has fielded former MLA and 2023 defeated candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath from Bagalkot, and a fresh face, Srinivas T Dasakariyappa, from Davanagere South.
The Congress has given tickets to family members of the late legislators in both constituencies. Bagalkot candidate Umesh Meti is the son of H Y Meti, while Samarth Mallikarjun from Davanagere South is the grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
