Officials plan evacuation as Hemavati is in spate

The continuing heavy rain in the Malnad region of the district has increased inflow into the Hemavati reservoir at Gorur, prompting the dam authorities to increase the outflow.

The outflow on Wednesday was at the rate of 25,175 cusecs, which includes 24,500 cusecs to the river through crest gates. The inflow was measured at the rate of 19,740 cusecs and the water-level stood at 2921 ft., against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 2,922 ft. The crest gates were opened on August 2 and since then the outflow has been increased gradually. H.K. Kumaraswamy, Sakleshpur MLA, offered bagina to the river on Wednesday along with his supporters.

Many parts of the district received heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. The highest rainfall of 129.3 mm was recorded at Maranahalli in Sakleshpur taluk. The administration has issued a warning to residents of Azad Nagar in Sakleshpur town, who reside close to the Hemavati river.

S.S. Madhukeshwar, Assistant Commissioner of Sakaleshpur sub-division, told

The Hindu that the the river was in spate. “We have to evacuate around 20 families in Azad Nagar. We are prepared to shift them if the water-level increases further,” he said.