Hescom suffers Rs 11.69- crore loss from pre-monsoon rains

According to the report, 1,652 electricity poles collapsed across the district, resulting in losses of Rs 165.20 lakh. Four power transformers worth Rs 4 lakh, eight high-tension towers valued at Rs 10 crore, and 0.85 km of electricity lines worth Rs 43,000 were also damaged.

Haveri: Pre-monsoon rains caused widespread damage across the district, prompting the district administration to prepare a detailed assessment report. The power distribution network suffered significant losses, with Hescom estimating damage at Rs 11.69 crore.

According to the report, 1,652 electricity poles collapsed across the district, resulting in losses of ₹165.20 lakh. Four power transformers worth ₹4 lakh, eight high-tension towers valued at ₹10 crore, and 0.85 km of electricity lines worth Rs 43,000 were also damaged.

Four school buildings sustained damage, while the compound wall of an anganwadi centre at Hirehalli village in Byadagi taluk collapsed.

The rains were accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning, causing extensive damage to infrastructure in addition to agricultural losses. The report estimates infrastructure losses at around ₹11.17 crore.

“Strong winds accompanied the pre-monsoon rains of 2026–27, leading to most of the damage. A total of 279 electricity poles collapsed in Byadagi taluk, 83 in Hangal, 238 in Haveri, 198 in Hirekerur, 607 in Ranebennur, 50 in Shiggaon, 40 in Savanur and 157 in Rattihalli,” Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar said.

Under scrutiny

As of May 30, owners of 167 houses damaged by the unseasonal rains had submitted compensation claims. Verification is being carried out by teams led by the respective tahsildars.

Of the applications received, only 44 have been approved so far, while 111 have been rejected. Verification of 12 applications is still pending.

“Claims relating to seven houses in Byadagi taluk, two in Hangal, five in Savanur, 18 in Ranebennur and 12 in Rattihalli have been approved, and action has been initiated to provide compensation,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

He added that one person died after being struck by lightning and two others drowned in a lake during the rainy period. Compensation of ₹5 lakh has already been paid in one case, while compensation to the families of the other two victims is yet to be disbursed.

Crops damage

The district recorded crop losses over 1,378.47 hectares during the 2026–27 pre-monsoon season up to the end of May.

Of this, 1,181 hectares comprised the agricultural crops and 200.47 hectares horticultural crops. Crops affected by rain and strong winds include paddy, banana, betel vine, arecanut, papaya, tomato, cabbage, coconut, mango, chilli, beans, bitter gourd and ridge gourd. “The worst-affected areas are Ranebennur and Rattihalli taluks,” the report stated.

A joint survey conducted by the district administration has assessed compensation of ₹117.30 lakh for crop damage covering 680.36 hectares, while verification of the remaining affected area is still underway.