Waters recede from Pattadkal site

Hubballi: The flood water surrounding the world heritage site of Pattadkal in Bagalkote district has receded after the outflow from Malaprabha reservoir fell considerably.

Virupaksha temple and the magnificent complex of Hindu and Jain architecture built by the Chalukyas were submerged two days ago. More than hundred people had taken shelter at the temples after their houses were totally inundated. The water release from the dam declined to 11,164 cusecs on Monday and this has brought some relief to the people of Pattadkal village.

Archaeological Survey of India officials claimed this is the third time that the Unesco world heritage site has been submerged. They also said that no damage has been caused to the temples due to the flood water. However, the road to Pattadkal and other villages having Chalukyan age structures is cut off due to the flood. These monuments were submerged during a similar flood in 2009 and the historic site had turned into a cattle-shed for villagers.

"90 per cent of Pattadkal village is inundated in the flood water this time. Due this,  people were shifted to safer places on the hillock adjacent to the village. The long-pending demand to shift our village has not been fulfilled", said tourist guide Basavaraj Jalapur.

Half of more than hundred temples in adjacent Aihole village are also submerged in the flood water. A local tourist guide, Mahachari claimed that the water level has come down on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the flow of water in rivers has come down due to the fall in rainfall in Belagavi and many parts of Maharashtra.