After drought, Belagavi faces flood threat

Belagavi: People of Belgavi can be excused for feeling very confused. Even while battling a drought , they have been warned they could see floods soon. With weather reports forecasting heavy rain across the Krishna belt, the government has sounded a flood alert in areas near the river, and instructed its officials to be prepared to tackle the expected deluge.

Having depended entirely on the one or two tankers sent by the local administration for their daily supply of drinking water for the last many weeks, the people are now gearing up to combat a natural disaster at the other end of the spectrum, flooding.  Deputy Commissioner, N Jairam says at least 40 villages in Raibagh, Chikkodi and Athani taluks could be flooded should the Krishna overflow in heavy rain.  With more than 20 bridges in all low-lying areas of Belagavi district  expected to go under  Krishna river water, arrangements are also being made to divert traffic to alternative roads.

“We have ordered all officials concerned in the district to be prepared to take emergency measures to tackle the floods,” Mr Jairam added.

The officials have been told to set up make-shift camps in affected areas and also report on the condition of the 60 boats used in such emergencies.  

Besides buying more boats, the district administration is also recruiting several trained boat operators to ferry people to safety if need be.

Meanwhile, orders have been issued to all primary health centres and other government hospitals to be prepared for the coming calamity. Officials of Karnataka’s Water Resources Department are also in regular contact with their counterparts in Maharashtra  to keep a tab on the release of water from its Koyna dam to the Krishna river and prevent the flooding from worsening in Belagavi.