Belagavi: Rain activity in Belagavi district weakened over the past two days after six days of incessant showers, bringing relief to residents and restoring normalcy. The heavy rainfall has erased the June deficit, resulting in above-average monsoon precipitation in the district.While some taluks continue to record below-normal rainfall, agricultural activity has picked up. However, water released from Maharashtra into rivers has inundated farmland near several villages, causing crop losses.
AI
With rainfall intensity in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats easing, river inflows dropped significantly. As a result, three major bridges in Chikodi subdivision, submerged for the past few days, were opened for traffic on Saturday. Vehicular movement resumed on key roads as water levels in the Krishna, Vedaganga and Dudhganga rivers receded.The Kudachi-Ugar bridge has been completely opened following the drop in the Krishna River’s water level, restoring an important link between Karnataka and Maharashtra and bringing relief to border commuters.Of the nine low-level bridges submerged in Chikodi subdivision, water has receded completely from three, while six remain submerged and the status quo continues.Most parts of Hukkeri, Bailhongal, Kittur, Savadatti, Chikodi and Nippani taluks, including Belagavi city, received moderate rainfall amid cloudy conditions on Friday and Saturday.For safety, entry to dangerous spots near waterfalls has been restricted. Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan has appealed to the public to exercise caution.Farm activity picks upImproved conditions following the rain have accelerated agricultural operations. Farmers have resumed activities such as spraying pesticides, weeding and tilling. Those fearing complete crop destruction along riverbanks have seen some relief.Reservoir levels riseWater levels in the Hidkal and Malaprabha reservoirs, which had fallen to just 5tmcft, have risen significantly. As of Saturday morning, the Hidkal reservoir holds 16. 5tmcft, while the Navilteerth reservoir on the Malaprabha River holds 8. 5tmcft, according to Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited officials.Officials said it is estimated that half of the stored water may evaporate. Current storage is sufficient for approximately three months, and the coming summer could pass smoothly if rainfall resumes. IMD has predicted the possibility of good rain in the coming days.
