Heavy rains have led to significant flooding on the Mysuru-Ooty Road (National Highway-766) near Mallanamoole Mutt junction close to Nanjangud. The overflow from the Kapila River, exacerbated by heavy discharge from the Kabini Dam, has submerged the highway. As of 11 pm yesterday, the road has been closed to traffic. Police have redirected vehicles from Mysuru towards Nanjangud near Adakanahalli Industrial Area and onto the Hejjige Bridge to continue towards the temple town, connecting Gundlupet and Chamarajanagar Roads. Vehicles heading towards Mysuru must divert to the Hejjige Bridge and then proceed via Tandavapura to reach the highway.
Floodwaters, standing over four feet deep in some areas, have turned the highway near Mallanamoole Mutt junction into a temporary river. Villagers have been seen enjoying the unusual sight and recording the flood on their phones.
The relentless rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused water levels in the Kabini, Nugu, and Taraka Dams to rise significantly, impacting areas around the Kapila River in Nanjangud. The Snana Ghatta (bathing area) at the Kapila River is flowing above danger levels, flooding towards the Nanjangud-Chamarajanagar Road and submerging Mudi Katte, a traditional tonsure area for devotees.
Authorities have barricaded affected areas and issued warnings to prevent unsafe activities. The landmark Hadinaaru Kalu Mantapa, a heritage structure in the Kapila River, is also submerged.
In response to the flooding, the Mysuru District Administration declared a holiday for all schools today. However, the late announcement, made around 8 am, caused inconvenience for many parents and working couples, as children had already left for school.