Flood-like situation in parts of state

A flood-like situation prevails in some parts of the state as rains continued on Thursday.

Heavy showers continued to lash most parts of Belagavi district for the third consecutive day, while rains provided some respite in Belagavi taluk with occasional mild showers.

Water inflow to River Krishna increased to over 1 lakh cusecs following a release from Rajapur barrage on the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. Khanapur town and Western Ghats areas in the taluk continued to receive heavy rains.

Heavy rains in Khanapur region increased inflow in River Malaprabha. The Malaprabha dam recorded inflow of 9,708 cusecs and the water level reached 2,043.60 feet. Rains in the catchment area of River Ghataprabha in Maharashtra increased water inflow to Hidkal dam to 18,044 cusecs and the water level reached 2,121 feet. 

Heavy rain continued to lash the Malnad region in Shivamogga district on Thursday, increasing the water levels in dams. About 37,000 cusecs of water was released from 20 crest gates of Tunga dam at Gajnur near Shivamogga, following copious rain in Thirthahalli. The dam reached the maximum level of 588.24 metres.

The water level in Linganamakki dam rose to 1,771.40 feet against the maximum level of 1,819 feet. The inflow was 40,345 cusecs.

Even though the intensity of rain in Kodagu district decreased on Thursday, a flood-like situation has been created due to heavy rain on Wednesday night.

Traffic came to a standstill from 4 am to 8 am as a huge tree was uprooted on the Madikeri-Mangaluru highway.

The district administration has cautioned the people living in Karadigodu, Chikkanahalli, Nelyahudikere, Bettadakadu and Koodugadde as River Cauvery is in spate. The water level in Harangi reservoir has touched 2,849.73 feet.

The maximum level of the dam is 2,859 foot. The inflow has increased to 13,596 cusecs. Various parts of Chikkamagaluru district received mild rains. There was drizzling in Chikkamagaluru city in the morning.

Life was thrown out of gear in Sirsi taluk, Uttara Kannada district, due to rain in the last three days and the flood in River Varada. 

Drizzling was reported in the heritage town of Hampi and its surrounding villages in Hosapete taluk, Ballari district.

Intermittent showers were reported from different parts of Bagalkot district. Rain accompanied by strong winds were reported from Bagalkot city, Hungund taluk and other parts of the district.

The downpour caused inconvenience for vehicle users.

No power shortage: CM
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that despite drought the state has adequate power supply.

Speaking at the Foundation Day celebrations of Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) in the city on Thursday, he asked the corporation to generate more power to make state self-sufficient besides bringing down the cost.

He also suggested the Energy department to buy power, if need be, to ensure enough supply to agricultural and industrial sectors.

 Energy Minister D K Shivakumar said the department is planning to set up a gas plant with an installed capacity of 300 MW at a cost of Rs 1,600 crore.