Rivers swell, heavy inflows in dams, flood threats loom as monsoon intensifies across Karnataka
Bengaluru, July 8 (IANS) The Southwest Monsoon has intensified across Karnataka, bringing widespread rainfall to several districts, swelling rivers, filling reservoirs and lakes, and triggering flood-like situations in parts of the state’s northern area.
While the rains have brought much-needed relief from drought conditions, several low-lying areas and agricultural lands have been inundated as rivers continue to rise.
Belagavi district has been among the worst affected, with incessant rainfall causing the Doodhganga, Markandeya, and Ghataprabha rivers to overflow. Vast stretches of agricultural land along the riverbanks – and extending nearly half a kilometre away – with sugarcane, maize, and chilli have been submerged.
Farmers, who had been struggling with drought and severe water scarcity until recently, are now facing losses due to flooding. Residents said the Ghataprabha River, which had barely any water just four days ago, is now overflowing following heavy rainfall in Maharashtra and the Western Ghats.
Local farmers have urged the government to provide compensation, stating that delayed monsoon rains had already damaged crops before floodwaters entered their fields. At the same time, many expressed relief that rivers, lakes and reservoirs have finally begun filling after months of acute water shortage.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to visit the district on Thursday and he will review the flood situation.
“We have deputed a team of officials to the Koyna Reservoir in Maharashtra to monitor water releases. All necessary preparations have been made to effectively manage any flood situation,” he said.
In Shivamogga district, the Tunga River is flowing in spate following continuous rainfall in the Malnad region.
Several lakes in Hubballi have also filled up after receiving heavy rainfall over the past few days.
In Dharwad district, lakes that had dried up during the summer have reached full capacity following sustained rains. Residents of Kalaghatagi taluk, who had been facing severe drinking water shortages for both people and livestock, have welcomed the rainfall.
The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya has also witnessed a sharp rise in inflow following heavy rainfall across the Cauvery catchment area and Madikeri district. The reservoir is currently receiving 7,531 cusecs of water, compared to 5,734 cusecs recorded on the previous day.
The KRS reservoir presently has a water level of 81.55 feet against its maximum capacity of 124.80 feet. Of its total storage capacity of 49.452 TMC, the reservoir currently stores 12.485 TMC of water. Officials expect inflows to increase further if rainfall continues in the Cauvery basin.
Heavy rains have also continued across Hassan district in south Karnataka, with Sakleshpur, Alur, Belur, and Arkalgud receiving incessant rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The heavy showers in neighbouring Mudigere of Chikkamagaluru district have significantly increased inflows into the Hemavati Dam.
The Hemavati Dam at Gorur is currently receiving an inflow of 16,593 cusecs, while 300 cusecs of water is being released. Against its total storage capacity of 37.103 TMC, the reservoir currently holds 18.782 TMC of water. The water level stands at 2,898.40 feet against its maximum level of 2,922 feet.
As a precautionary measure, Belur Tahsildar Sridhar Kankanawadi declared a holiday on Wednesday for all Anganwadi centres, primary schools and high schools in Arehalli, Bikkodu and Chikkanahalli hoblis, along with Kasaba A and Kasaba B zones of Belur taluk, in view of the heavy rain and strong winds.
Meanwhile, picturesque waterfalls have sprung up along National Highway-75 passing through the Shiradi Ghat in Dakshina Kannada district due to the heavy monsoon showers. The dense forest stretch has turned into a major attraction, with thousands of devotees and tourists travelling along the highway during the temple pilgrimage season.
With the India Meteorological Department forecasting continued rainfall across several parts of Karnataka over the coming days, authorities are closely monitoring river levels and reservoir inflows, particularly in flood-prone districts of north Karnataka, while urging people living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to remain alert.
–IANS
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