The Belgaum City Corporation (BCC) has established 10 flood relief centers within the city as a precautionary step, in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall this year from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). BCC commissioner PN Lokesh issued directives to the relevant department for this action on May 29.
Each relief centre has been assigned a coordination officer and five caretaking staff members. The commissioner’s directive mandates that these officials provide essential amenities for families affected or displaced by heavy rainfall. Previously, the BCC had established four rescue teams to respond to emergencies during the monsoon. Now, the responsibility for managing the relief centres has been transferred to the revenue department officials within the city corporation.
In 2019, Belgaum city experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, causing water to inundate numerous residential areas. This prompted the BCC to inaugurate flood relief centres throughout the city to accommodate displaced residents. The initiative was supervised by BCC Commissioner Ashok Dudagunti.
This time, flood relief centres have been established at multiple locations in Belgaum city: Jayawanti Mangal Karyalay in Khasbag, Sai Bhavan on Old Dharwad Road, Mallikarjun Temple in Vadagaon, Jain School in Vadagaon, Kaivalya Yog Mandir on Mandoli Road, Adinath Bhavan in Anagol, Ambedkar Bhavan in Nehru Nagar, Dharmanath Bhavan in Ramnagar, Annapurneshwari Mangal Karyalay on Yellur Road, and Daivajnya Mangal Karyalay on Mahatma Phule Road. BCC sources indicated that additional relief centres would be opened if necessary.
Residents of Anand Nagar in the Vadagaon area recently held a demonstration at the city corporation premises, alleging that authorities had neglected cleaning the drain, which they feared could lead to flooding in their colony during heavy rains. Following the protest, the BCC immediately began cleaning the drain. On June 9, the BCC commissioner inspected areas affected by rain.
