Heavy pre-monsoon showers in the Malnad city of Shivamogga caused flooding in low-lying areas and waterlogging in prominent roads and junctions on Tuesday. While district minister Madhu Bangarappa faced criticism for not inspecting the rain-damaged areas, opposition parties attributed the chaos to incomplete Smart City projects.
Rainwater inundated houses in Gopala and Bhapuji Nagar, causing property damage and exposing flaws in the drainage system. Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa visited affected areas and instructed officials to provide immediate assistance. However, BJP’s Raitha Morcha activists protested against Madhu Bangarappa, labeling him reckless.
Meanwhile, former MLA KB Prasanna Kumar of JD(S) alleged that Rs 960 crore allocated for the Smart City project had been squandered, with no tangible benefits for residents. He called for an investigation into irregularities in project execution, emphasizing the adverse impact on the city’s infrastructure and residents.
Shivamogga SP GK Mithun Kumar praised constables Ranganath and Prasanna Kumar for saving a youth who was washed away by flash floods at Kommanalu village. The timely intervention of the police emergency response system helped rescue the stranded individual, demonstrating the importance of swift action during such emergencies.
