The floods in Krishna and its tributaries, including Doodhganga river, have rendered large tracts of agricultural fields water-logged and damaged standing crops, Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram has said. The extent of loss to the growers would be assessed once the water levels in the fields receded.
Mr. Jayaram, who was on a visit to some of the flood-affected villages of Chikkodi and Athani taluks on Tuesday, told mediapersons mid-way through his tour at Chandur village of Chikkodi taluk that preliminary reports did not indicate extensive damage to the standing crops but only partial and in small quantities in the fields along the banks of Krishna river.
He said the flood situation was effectively under control and normal life was not affected, even as a few low-lying barrage-cum-bridges/roads were submerged and closed for communication. However, alternative roads remained unaffected and were open to communication.
He said latest reports indicated decline in rainfall in the catchment areas of Krishna river. If there was no fresh rainfall, the water levels in the rivers and agricultural fields would recede and the situation would return to normality within a week.
Alternative bridge
Ganesh P. Hukkeri, MLA, who was present, said a proposal for construction of an alternative Kallol-Yadur bridge with increased height across Krishna river at the cost of Rs.31 crore would be submitted to the government. The existing old bridge submerged with just with a little increase in water level in the river and affected communication for weeks together during every monsoon.
