Heavy Rains Continue to Lash Parts of Maharashtra and Belagavi District


A view of the Raja Lakhamagouda Reservoir on the Ghataprabha in Hidkal of Belagavi district where officials began releasing around 10,000 cusecs of water on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: P.K. Badiger

Water levels in the Krishna River and its tributaries are rising due to ongoing heavy rains in parts of Maharashtra and surrounding areas, including Belagavi district.

Officials started releasing around 200,000 cusecs (approximately 17.28 TMCFT) of water from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Reservoir on the Krishna River in Almatti, Bagalkot district, on Wednesday.

Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan stated that the water release from the Almatti Dam has increased to around 200,000 cusecs, but the situation remains under control.


The total estimated water outflow from Belagavi is around 185,000 cusecs. Maharashtra is releasing approximately 168,000 cusecs, with 135,000 cusecs from the Rajapur Barrage and 32,500 cusecs from the Dudhganga Barrage.

The estimated inflow at Lolasur is about 22,500 cusecs, after accounting for water from the Hidkal Dam.

The Raja Lakhamagouda Reservoir is about 80% full, with an outflow of approximately 10,000 cusecs and an inflow of around 31,000 cusecs.

The Navilu Teertha Dam on the Malaprabha River in Saundatti is seeing an inflow of around 16,386 cusecs and an outflow of 194 cusecs.

Meanwhile, a communique from Maharashtra indicated that due to heavy rain, the outflow from Kalammawadi Dam on the Dudhganga River will increase to around 1,600 cusecs. This could result in higher water levels within 24 hours, according to the Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department in Kolhapur.

Mr. Roshan instructed a team of officials in Belagavi on Wednesday to monitor the water levels of all rivers and water bodies closely.

After receiving updates from officers about riverside villages, the Deputy Commissioner directed Tahsildars, Nodal Officers, Fire, and Police officers to maintain constant vigilance in villages along the Krishna, Malaprabha, and Ghataprabha rivers that might be affected by flooding.

He emphasized that vulnerable villages should be continuously monitored, and officers should ensure that rain-damaged roads are promptly repaired.

Mr. Roshan also instructed officers to relocate residents from vulnerable villages to safer areas. Tahsildars and other officers were told to visit the 427 care centers identified in the district.

Additionally, boats should always be prepared, and steps should be taken to hire additional boats if necessary. Five boats will be purchased, and fire brigade personnel will be trained in their use. Searchlights will be provided to facilitate rescue operations.


Officers reported that several footbridges and barrages across the district have been submerged.

The Deputy Commissioner asked officers to coordinate with the police to ensure safety and security on every bridge. Officers indicated that police have set up barricades to stop traffic on bridges.

Despite the situation, people did not face much inconvenience as alternative roads to most villages were available.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed Public Works officers to relocate housing sheds of workers along roads or on the foothills of mountains to ensure their safety in case of landslides.

He urged officers to clear drains and gutters in Belagavi city to ensure smooth rainwater runoff. Residents in Pashchapur, Ankalgi, and surrounding areas downstream of the Ballari Nala were advised to be aware.

Mr. Roshan told reporters that department officials will decide on the amount of water to be released from the Almatti Dam based on actual inflow.

He mentioned that measures will be taken to provide the public with information about water storage and release.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rahul Shinde instructed officials to monitor riverside villages and houses on farms. He noted that large trenches have been dug near the National Highway worksite near Sankeshwar and Yamakanamaradi and asked officers to ensure no mishaps occur.

Mr. Shinde asked officers to keep records of pregnant women and senior citizens in flood-affected villages and ensure adequate food supplies in anganwadis and schools.

Superintendent of Police Bhima Shankar Guled said officers have visited many villages along riverbanks. He mentioned meeting with NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services personnel, and police officers.

He asked officers to raise public awareness about crocodile-infested waters and to work with the community to ensure safety.