The state of Karnataka is grappling with an unusual situation as the absence of rainfall has led to water scarcity across the region. Despite the lack of precipitation, the Ghataprabha River in Belagavi district is experiencing flooding, resulting in waterlogged streets. This unexpected event is attributed to the overflow of water from the Raja Lakhamagouda Dam, also known as the Hidkal Dam, into the river.
The Raja Lakhamagouda Dam, situated in Hidkal village within the Hukkeri Taluk of Belagavi, is a crucial hydraulic structure built across the Ghataprabha River within the Krishna River basin.
The overflow is a consequence of water discharge from the Hidkal reservoir into the Ghataprabha River, primarily aimed at providing drinking water to residents of Belgaum and Bagalkot districts. The flooding has submerged the Sunadholi bridge connecting Sunadholi-Moodlagi in Mudalagi taluk, primarily due to the absence of protective railings or walls.
With gates installed on the Ghataprabha river bridge near Sunadholi, traffic movement has been halted, particularly affecting two-wheelers that frequently utilize the narrow bridge. Photos circulating over the weekend depicted bikes and bicycles partially submerged in water while crossing the bridge, prompting authorities to suspend traffic until water levels normalize.
The Ghataprabha river basin, spanning 8,829 square kilometers across Maharashtra and Karnataka, holds significant importance as a right-bank tributary of the Krishna River. It flows eastward for 283 kilometers before converging with the Krishna River at Chikksangam.
