Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], August 19 : A red alert has been declared in Belagavi district for Tuesday and Wednesday due to continuous heavy rainfall, officials said. People have been advised to venture out only if necessary, while schools have been shut for safety reasons.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said the district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and a decision regarding declaring a holiday for Wednesday will be taken by the evening, based on further developments.
Speaking to media persons, Roshan said that rainfall has intensified in the district over the past two days. On Tuesday morning, a review meeting was held with the District Superintendent of Police, Zilla Panchayat CEO and the Disaster Management Authority.
"Yesterday, information was received that 53,000 cusecs of water were being released from the Koyna reservoir into the Krishna River. That water will take about 40 hours to reach our district. As a precautionary measure, the ACS of the Water Resources Department instructed that from this morning onwards, 1.5 lakh cusecs of water be released from the Almatti reservoir, and the Chief Engineer is managing this. Currently, 70,000 cusecs of water is flowing at Rajapur Barrage, and 93,000 cusecs of water is flowing from Vedganga and Dudhganga rivers at Kallol Barrage. This, along with water from Ghataprabha, will join the Almatti reservoir through the Hippargi Barrage," he said.
The Deputy Commissioner clarified that there was no immediate danger in the Krishna River basin.
"As of now, there is no danger in the Krishna river basin. All precautionary measures have been taken by the district administration. The district in-charge minister and all MLAs have been informed about the rainfall situation. Tahsildars have been instructed to alert villagers in low-lying areas that may face flooding. There is also a possibility of an additional 60,000 cusecs of water coming in from Maharashtra. Hence, I have directed preparations for relief centres wherever problems may arise. The police department, too, is fully prepared," the DC said.
He stated that 43,000 cusecs of water is currently flowing through the Lolasur bridge in Gokak taluk from the Ghataprabha and Markandeya rivers.
"If the flow reaches 53,000 cusecs, it will affect Gokak town. Therefore, the Gokak Tahsildar has been asked to remain vigilant. Since some areas of Gokak faced problems last year, this time as well, arrangements will be made at the municipal school by setting up a relief centre," said Mohammad Roshan.
Regarding the Malaprabha River, Roshan said 14,000 cusecs of water is flowing currently. "There is no cause for concern unless the flow reaches 25,000 cusecs, which could affect Ramdurg taluk. At present, the river is flowing with its usual amount of water," he said.
"Farmers are advised not to go near the river banks to check motors. When water is stagnant, pits and depressions may not be visible, which is dangerous. Hence, everyone should remain cautious. People must strictly follow the instructions of the revenue, police, and fire department officials. At present, 30 relief centres have been opened. If the rain continues, 20 more may be needed. However, as a precaution, 550 relief centres are being kept ready," informed Mohammad Roshan.
Roshan also reported a fatality in Gokak, where a woman died after the collapse of an old house.
"She had been living in a very old house. I offer my condolences to her family. Immediate compensation will be given to the deceased's family. If the injured are admitted to the hospital for seven days, they too will be provided compensation, and the local Tahsildar has been instructed accordingly," he said.