Rain wreaks havoc in districts

In Hassan, five houses were damaged and about 300-400 acres of standing crop submerged in water in Hassan. The low-lying areas in the city were submerged in water after rains accompanied by thunder pounded the city and taluk for more than five hours on Saturday. The rains which started at 6 pm pounded till late night with full force, and light showers continued throughout the night.

On Sunday morning, the water-level on the by-pass road had submerged low-lying areas like Channapatana tank area, where the Housing board has carved out residential sites.
In Hassan taluk, more than 400 acres of standing crop is under rain water across Hosakoppal, Shantigrama, Salagama, Kandli and Channapatana. About four houses were collapsed following heavy rains in these villages.

Tahsildar Nagaraj visited the villages on Sunday to assess the damage. In Hassan taluk alone, about 200 acres of crop are submerged. A survey by village accountants will give a clear account of the extent of damage,” he said.  

In Halebeedu of Hassan district, the overflowing Dwarasamudra lake at Halebeedu has added beauty to its splendour with heavy rains that pounded the taluk on Saturday. The gushing water resembling a milky froth captured the attention of hundreds of people who gathered to view the nature’s bounty.

As the lake is near the Hoysaleshwara temple, the tourists visiting the temple too have the opportunity of enjoying the scenic beauty.

Though the nature has blessed the Dwarasamudra lake, the authorities concerned have not taken up any steps to keep the premises clean. While the water falls attract the onlookers on one side, the garbage seen collected at the place where the water was flowing, repels them. The rotten garbage is emanating stench in the surroundings. The lake has historical background and is also adjacent to the popular Hoysaleshwara temple. The public have alleged the administration of not showing any inclination towards the development of the lake and maintaining silence.

Fear

The overflowing Dwarasamudra lake had inundated Boodigundi, a low lying area in last September. Now, with the water gushing in, there is a possibility of the low lying areas submerging. The families of Boodigundi which had to stay in gruel centres last year, have lost hope of development of their area. Already walls of many houses were seen dampened due to heavy rains and are awaiting disaster.The low lying agricultural areas are inundated and jowar, ginger and other crops are being destroyed which has caused worry among the farmers.

 In Chamarajanagar, Hundreds of families residing at the Puttammanni Beedi bore the brunt of the nature’s fury when they had to spend sleepless night due to heavy downpour that lashed the city on Saturday. The residents lamented that it has become a routine for them whenever the rain lashes, sleepless nights are inevitable. The elected representatives visit their homes and disburse meagre compensation when the houses are inundated and are forced to leave the place. Sufferings continue with the drainage water entering their homes, all through the monsoon over the years. More than 1,500 people reside in the area and the adjoining drain overflows with water entering the houses everytime the rain batters and there seem to be no end for the issue, they lament. The construction of the new drain is getting delayed and is incomplete, which has put them into a lot of hardship, complain the residents. Not only this, they are also living in fear as the population of snakes has increased as some enter the houses via drain water and walking on the road adjoining the Puttammanni park after the rain is a risky one with the reptiles crawling during the dusk has added to their woes.