Vijayapura: The heavy rains have damaged over 1,127 houses in the district in the rains. Of them, the highest, 362 houses were damaged in Muddebihal Taluk followed by Talikot where 150 houses were damaged. As many as 111 houses were damaged in Vijayapura Taluk.
With the incessant rains in Western Ghats and catchment areas of Ghataprabha and Krishna Rivers – the flood threat looming large in the parts of Bagalakote and Vijayapura.
The officials at the Karnataka Neeravari Nigama Limited (KNNL) have issued flood warnings to the villages located alongside the Ghataprabha River. Mudhol, Terdal, Bilagi and Rabkavi and Banahatti of Bagalakote are likely to be affected by the floods due to the overflow of the Ghataprabha River.
“The Hidkal Dam has been filled to the brim due to the heavy showers in the catchment areas of Ghataprabha River. We appeal to the villages on the banks of Ghataprabha and Hiranyakeshi River to move to safer places,” stated the officials of KNNL.
As Ghataprabha is flowing in full spate, the inflow and outflow to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Water Reservoir (Almatti Dam) have increased. According to the officials of Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL), they discharged 1,02429 cusecs of water from Almatti Dam while the reservoir received an inflow of 95304 cusecs of water on Tuesday September 13.
If the inflow surges the outflow is likely to be increased, the officials said.
“The dam is filled to the brim as the water reaches the maximum storage capacity. We are coordinating with the officials of KNNL and Maharashtra for proper water management and to tackle floods in the region. However, as soon as the water outflow has been increased the flood warnings have been issued to the villages located downstream of the Almatti Dam,” claimed KBJNL officials.
The Bheema River continues to flow at danger level as a huge quantity of water is being discharged from the Ujjani Dam. At least 20 villagers are facing the flood threat in Sindgi, Indi, Almel and Chadachan. Flood warnings have been issued to the villages located alongside the river. The district administration has cautioned the villagers not to venture near the river and traffic has also been suspended on many bridges that connect to the neighbouring state Maharashtra.
Deputy Commissioner Vijayamahantesh B. Danammanavar said that the district is receiving heavy rains. “We have made a necessary accommodation arrangement for those families, where their houses remain inundated, at a hostel. However, people opted to stay in their houses. We are closely watching the weather forecast and situation in the City.”
“With regard to the increase in water levels in Bheema River, we are in contact with officials of the neighbouring state and regulating the inflow and outflow from Ujjani Dam. Even a huge quantity of water is being released from Sona Barrage. There is a very rare possibility of flooding in the Bheema River belt. The officials have been directed to take necessary measures to tackle the floods and address the grievances of people residing in low-lying areas,” stated DC Vijayamahantesh.
