The roof of the old market building of Kalaburagi Mahanagar Palike in Chappal Bazaar collapsed due to incessant rainfall on Tuesday.
Heavy and intermittent rains continued to lash several parts of the district. The weather was cloudy since morning on Tuesday. The rainwater flowed on the City roads due to the heavy showers. Water stagnated in the potholes, causing inconvenience to motorists. The farmers are preparing for the sowing operation due to copious rains.
Heavy rains lashed several villages in Afzalpur taluk. Due to this, several electricity poles fell down in the rural areas, causing power disruptions. On the other hand, sewage water entered the houses in some wards of the town, causing hardship to the residents.
"Houses in ward no-20 are completely covered with water. The rivulets were overflowing due to the heavy rain in Karajagi and Afzalpur. The Amarja river is overflowing. More water is being released downstream through the Bhima barrage", Zilla Panchayat Executive Engineer Santosh Kumar Sajjan said.
Seven sheep were killed in a lightning strike in Tadola village of Aland taluk. Madana Hipparagi, Ningadalli, Hirolli, Khajuri, Koralli, Kavalaga, Jidga, Narona, Madiyala and other villages also received heavy rainfall.
Roof collapses
The roof of the old market building of Kalaburagi Mahanagar Palike in Chappal Bazaar collapsed due to the incessant rains on Tuesday. The building, which was built several decades ago, was old and completely dilapidated. There is no loss of life as the roof collapsed at night.
Several floors of concrete, including the entrance of the lower floor of the building, have been torn off, and cracks have appeared in the walls. There was a discussion about demolishing it and constructing a new building during Kalaburagi Mahanagar Palike's general body meeting. Palike Commissioner Avinash Shinde said that there is a plan to construct a new building.
"There is a plan to relocate the existing traders and construct a well-equipped building with about 160 shops in the same venue. Sub-rent will also be reduced in the new building. New shops will be allotted only to those who have settled the outstanding rent of the old shops", he asserted.
Precautionary measures
Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum has directed the officials to take all precautionary measures in the wake of heavy rain forecast by the Meteorological Department in the next few days.
She warned the general public against venturing to the river banks and allowing cattle to graze near the river banks.
Stating that there is a possibility of collapse of dilapidated houses and school buildings, she said the people should take all precautionary measures to protect themselves from the heavy showers. The DC also directed the officials to create awareness about the possible flood situation in all villages to prevent any untoward incidents.
"The officials should submit a preliminary report about the loss of lives and properties due to the heavy rainfall and the flood. The people should contact helpline number 1077 or 08472-278677, or Kalaburagi Mahanagar Palike helpline number 08472-241364, 6363544601 in case of any emergency", she stated in a press release.