Continuous rainfall in the Western Ghats and the catchment areas of the Krishna, Malaprabha, and Ghataprabha rivers over the past three days has raised concerns of potential flooding in Belgaum district. The heavy downpours have significantly increased water inflow to the Naviluteertha and Hidkal reservoirs, with Belgaum city also experiencing persistent rain in recent days.
Heavy rains are lashing Koyna, Mahabaleshwar, Warana, and the Kolhapur region in Maharashtra. The Chikodi subdivision has been receiving nonstop rain for two days. On Monday, rain continued across the district, including Belgaum city, leading to cooler temperatures. The water flow in the Krishna River and its tributaries has intensified.
Belgaum has been placed on flood alert as rains continue to batter the Western Ghats. According to revenue department officials, Kanakumbi in Khanapur taluk recorded 130 mm of rain in 24 hours, Asoga received 75 mm, Gunji 74 mm, Londa 95 mm, Nagargali 65 mm, Jamboti 75 mm, Khanapur 90 mm, and Kakkeri 55 mm.
The Malaprabha, Mahadayi, and Pandari rivers are overflowing due to relentless rain in Kanakumbi, Jamboti, Londa, and the Bhimagad forests of Khanapur taluk. Other water sources such as Alatri, Kalasa, Banduri, Mangetri, Vajra, Panasuri, Kumbar, Tatti, and Kotni have seen a significant rise in water levels.
Revenue department officials reported that the inflow to the Krishna River near Kalloli in Chikodi taluk was 65,000 cusecs as of Monday. The bridges over the Vedaganga and Doodhganga rivers have been submerged again as both rivers are in spate. Roads and bridges connecting various villages in Khanapur taluk have been flooded due to the heavy rains.
Normal life has been disrupted, agricultural activities have stalled, and there is growing concern over potential outbreaks of infectious diseases due to the cold weather. The continuous rainfall has led to increased inflow into the Naviluteertha reservoir in Savadatti taluk and the Hidkal dam in Hukkeri taluk.
Naviluteertha reservoir currently holds about 35.6 tmcft of water, just shy of its 37.7 tmcft capacity. On Monday, the reservoir received an inflow of 11,615 cusecs, with 9,444 cusecs being released. Executive engineer Vivek Mudigaudar has advised people living near the river to exercise caution due to the ongoing water release.
Hidkal reservoir, with a maximum storage capacity of 51 tmcft, currently holds 50.2 tmcft. On Monday, it recorded an inflow of 14,588 cusecs, and 16,833 cusecs of water was being released. The release from Hidkal has caused the bridge-cum-barrages in Mudalagi taluk to flood, disrupting traffic in more than 20 villages. Revenue department officials stated that while the flood situation is currently under control, they remain in close contact with the relevant authorities to manage any potential escalation.
