As many as 11 bridges and barrages remain submerged in Chikkodi and Athani taluks of the border district of Belagavi owing to incessant rain and release of water from the reservoirs into the Krishna and its tributaries.
There is no relief from the submergence so far though the rain has receded in catchment areas. As per preliminary reports, over 5,000 hectares of agricultural fields have been under water for more than a week, which could result in yield loss. Official sources said they were assessing the actual loss.
Shifted to safer places
So far, 50 families residing on the banks of the Krishna and Doodhganga rivers have been shifted to safer places. A total of 65 boats, including 10 mechanised, besides a rescue team comprising 30 members from the National Disaster Response Force are ready to take up rescue and relief operations in the event of flash floods.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Jayaram and officials of Chikkodi taluk maintain that there are no floods at present, but the rivers and barrages have swollen due to large inflow of water from Maharashtra in the preceding week. The water level at Almatti dam and Hipparagi barrage across the Krishna are being maintained to avoid flooding.
The Jatrat, Sidnal, Malikwad, Bhojwadi, Karadga, and Kallol barrages and Examba bridge in Chikodi taluk remained closed for the fifth day. The Kudachi and Chinchali barrages in Raibag taluk and low-lying Ugar and Kusnal barrage-cum-bridges of Athani taluk also remained closed for the second day on Monday.
The public used alternative roads as they had been advised against taking the over-flowing barrages, bridges and roads.
Water from Almatti
Mr. Jayaram said 1,82,000 cusecs of water was being released from Almatti dam and 2,08,000 cusecs from all 22 gates of Hipparagi barrage.
