<p>Due to heavy rainfall in Maharashtra this year, water is being released into the Krishna River. This has raised concerns of flooding among residents of riverbank villages Kollur (M), Gowdur, Marakal, Tonnoor and others of the taluk.</p><p>Farmers cultivate crops like paddy, cotton, and chili in thousands of acres on both sides of the river, depending on the river’s water. When floods occur, removing agricultural pump sets and other equipment becomes a challenging task.</p><p>“Drinking water issues, the spread of infectious diseases, and crop loss haunt farmers like a shadow. But there is no compensation,” said Lakshmikant Naik, a farmers’ leader from Kollur (M). A bridge constructed across the Krishna River at Kollur (M) in the taluk faces the threat of submersion due to flooding. Locals fear that the vehicular movement between the Shahapur-Deodurga state highway might be disrupted if this happens.</p><p>“Currently, one lakh cusec of water is being released into the river. The flow is still five feet below the bridge, so there’s no issue at present. But if the inflow exceeds two lakh cusec, we may face problems,” said Hanumanth Bhangi, a resident of Kollur (M).</p><p>We have been experiencing floods every year. It has just become a part of life, he added.</p><p>This is a uniquely built submersible bridge in the state, constructed in 1975 by Gammon India Ltd at a cost of just Rs 29.86 lakh. The bridge is 540-meter long, 8.3-meter wide, and 29.97-meter tall. Even minor floods submerge it, disrupting the Shahapur-Deodurga highway connection.</p><p>For several years, people living in the river basin have been demanding that the bridge be elevated and a barrage-cum-bridge be constructed. But elected representatives and the district in-charge minister only visit during flood situations, talk about raising the bridge height, and then go silent. The public complains that the bridge’s height becomes a concern only when a flood occurs.</p>.<p>Water discharge</p>
<p>Due to heavy rainfall in Maharashtra this year, water is being released into the Krishna River. This has raised concerns of flooding among residents of riverbank villages Kollur (M), Gowdur, Marakal, Tonnoor and others of the taluk.</p><p>Farmers cultivate crops like paddy, cotton, and chili in thousands of acres on both sides of the river, depending on the river’s water. When floods occur, removing agricultural pump sets and other equipment becomes a challenging task.</p><p>“Drinking water issues, the spread of infectious diseases, and crop loss haunt farmers like a shadow. But there is no compensation,” said Lakshmikant Naik, a farmers’ leader from Kollur (M). A bridge constructed across the Krishna River at Kollur (M) in the taluk faces the threat of submersion due to flooding. Locals fear that the vehicular movement between the Shahapur-Deodurga state highway might be disrupted if this happens.</p><p>“Currently, one lakh cusec of water is being released into the river. The flow is still five feet below the bridge, so there’s no issue at present. But if the inflow exceeds two lakh cusec, we may face problems,” said Hanumanth Bhangi, a resident of Kollur (M).</p><p>We have been experiencing floods every year. It has just become a part of life, he added.</p><p>This is a uniquely built submersible bridge in the state, constructed in 1975 by Gammon India Ltd at a cost of just Rs 29.86 lakh. The bridge is 540-meter long, 8.3-meter wide, and 29.97-meter tall. Even minor floods submerge it, disrupting the Shahapur-Deodurga highway connection.</p><p>For several years, people living in the river basin have been demanding that the bridge be elevated and a barrage-cum-bridge be constructed. But elected representatives and the district in-charge minister only visit during flood situations, talk about raising the bridge height, and then go silent. The public complains that the bridge’s height becomes a concern only when a flood occurs.</p>.<p>Water discharge</p>
