Heavy discharge from TB dam causes floods

Heavy discharge of water into Tungabhadra river from TB dam has inundated several low-lying places on the banks of the river in Koppal and Ballari districts.

On Wednesday, a staggering 1,48,072 cusecs of water was released through all 33 crest gates to the river. The dam had received 30 tmcft water in the last two weeks owing to heavy showers in Malnad.

Tungabhadra Board officials have issued flood alert to the villages and towns on the bank of the river.

Flood threat looms large over historical sites in Hampi and Anegundi, and religious centres including Hulgi.

The bridge across Tungabhadra in Kampli has been submerged.
Overflowing river has inundated vast tracts of paddy fields and banana plantations at Mudenur, Makanuru, Kodiyala Hospet, Airani, Guttal in Haveri district. Paddy, sugarcane, maize and cotton on several hundred acres have been damaged.

Ranebennur Tahsildar K Ramamurthy told DH, “The water level in Tungabhadra river has increased considerably and it is expected to go up further. If need be, we will set up gruel centres will be set up.”

With the rain pounding the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Krishna river in Belagavi district is in spate. Many bridges in Chikkodi taluk, including Akkol-Sidnal, Bhojwadi-Kunnuru, Kaaradga-Bhoj, Malikwad-Dattawad and Kallol-Yadur, have been submerged.

Meanwhile, The India Meteorological Department has warned the fishermen in Karwar of high tides (expected to rise up to 4 meters) in the Arabian Sea.

Parts of Kalaburagi district witnessed light to moderate showers on Wednesday. Overcast conditions prevailed over the district throughout the day.