Crops damaged in Haveri district; TB dam filling to brim, people asked to be alert

HUBBALLI: While rain receeded in many districts of north Karnataka, flood situation is raising concerns in Gadag, Bagalkot, Vijayapura and other districts on Sunday.
Though there was sunny weather in Hubballi-Dharwad, evening showers made the city wet.
The Tungabhadra dam near Hosapete has been receiving over 2 lakh cusec inflow due to heavy rain in its catchment areas, prompting the Tungabhadra Board to release 70,000 cusec to the river on Sunday.Heavy rainfall reported in Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Sirsi and Haveri districts over the last week has increased the inflow into Tungabhadra river. The dam has been receiving 12-13 TMC feet water per day. As against its capacity of 101 TMC feet, the dam already has 85 TMC feet of water. As it is expected to be filled by Monday, the authorities will release water to the river by opening 20 of the 33 crest gates. The board has also alerted people along the riverbank to be alert.
Flood situation in Haveri district is a concern with water level drastically increasing in Tungabhadra, Varada, Dharma and Kumadvati rivers. Flood water has impacted crops — cultivated on thousands of hectares — like maize, soy bean, chilli, vegetables and other crops. Bridge across Varada river near Halagi-Marol has submerged. A troop of monkeys has stuck on a tree surrounded with the river water at Handiganur village of Haveri taluk. According to the district administration, six houses have been damaged fully and over 400 houses have been partially damaged in the district.
Kalaburagi district minister Murugesh Nirani has directed officers to conduct a survey on rehabilitation works in rain-affected villagers and houses. Chairing a meeting at the DC’s office, he directed the officers to immediately open relief centres for people. Kalaburagi DC Jyothsna said water has not been released from Maharashtra into Bhima river. But the administration is ready to tackle the possible flood situation, she said.
Gadag district minister CC Patil visited a rehabilitation centre in Nargund taluk and interacted with flood-affected people. DC M Sundaresh Babu directd the officials to camp at flood-prone villages and attend to emergencies, if any. Benne Halla has caused flooding in Yavagal, Menasagi, Vasana and Lakhmapur villages of Nargund and Ron taluks.
In Bagalkot, landslide was reported at Chikkapadasalagi barrage, which is receiving 3.50 lakh cusec of Krishna river water. Jamkhandi MLA Anand Nyamagouda visited the spot.
Shramabindu Sagar has completely been submerged in river water, while Malali, Mirji and Dhavaneshwara villages are under Ghataprabha river water. Rehabilitation centres have been opened to house people and livestock.