IMD's heavy rain prediction puts Belagavi officials on toes

Belagavi: Following prediction of heavy rain by the Indian Meteorological Department, the district administration is on high alert and taking precautionary measures to tackle the probable flood situation, especially in the Krishna river belt.
Villages under Raibag, Athani and Chikkodi, which are situated on the banks of Krishna river and tributaries Vedaganga and Doodhaganga, have experienced worst floods in the past.In 2008, about 198 villages of the district reeled under flood. In 2014, about 40 villages were flooded due to heavy rain and excess release of water from Maharashtra. Kallol, Karadaga, Sidnal, Bhoj, Jatrat, Mallikwad, Sadalaga and Manjari of Chikkodi taluk either get flooded with Krishna water or its tributaries Vedaganga and Doodhaganga. Villages under Athani and Raibag taluk usually get flooded with Krishna river and Hipparagi dam backwater.
Based on the experience of previous years, 40 villages have been identified as flood-prone. Precautionary measures, like keeping boats ready to relocate people along the riparian belts, and deputing officers for each village to manage flood and rehabilitation is being taken. In the past, there were instances of drowning of farmers when they are trying to relocate irrigation pump sets from river banks. Hence, before the onset of rainy season, farmers will be sensitized to relocate the irrigation pump sets which could reduce the loss of human lives. In a meeting with officials, deputy commissioner N Jayaram asked officials to make stock of sufficient drugs at each flood-prone village to cope up with probable outbreak of diseases.
As the release of water to Krishna river from Maharashtra plays a vital role in creating flood in the district, based on the input received from the neighbouring state and quantity of rain in catchment area, the district administration will strike a balance between releasing of water from reservoirs within its limit. Meanwhile, a control room will be established at the taluk centre for the establishment of co-ordination between government agencies and affected people.