Many bridges, roads submerged as rivers swell in Belagavi district

Rakaskopp dam water level increasing As many 13 low-lying bridges and roads have been submerged due to swelling of Krishna and Doodhganga rivers in Chikkodi, Raibag and Athani taluks of the district over the last 24 hours. According to official sources here on Thursday, the Kallol-Yadur, Karadga-Bhoj, Bhojwadi-Konnur, Sidnal-Akkol, Jatrat-Bhivashi, Malikwad-Dattawad, Examba-Danwad bridges and Sadalga-Borgaon barrage-cum-bridge in Chikkodi taluk; Kudchi-Uugar bridge and Raibag-Chincholi road in Raibag taluk; Ugar K.H.-Ugar B.K., Jhunjuhrwad-Tubchi and Ugar B.K.- Kusnal roads in Athani taluk have been affected. Vehicular and public movement have been cut off. Advice to citizens Citizens have been advised to use alternative roads and avoid venturing into these affected roads and bridges, officials at the Deputy Commissioner’ office said. Krishna and Doodhganga rivers received copious inflow, leading to increased levels, following good rainfall in the catchment areas during the last fortnight. This has come as much-needed relief to the villages along the banks of the rivers, which were facing acute drinking water shortage earlier this year. The Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board Executive Engineer Prasanna Murthy said the water level at Rakaskopp dam across Markandeya river, the main source of drinking water for Belagavi city, had improved by 1.50 ft during the last 24 hours. Since the monsoon commenced, the water level in the dam had increased by 23.50 ft. The dam was 10.90 ft. short of full capacity. Sources in the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd. said the inflow into the Raja Lakhmagouwda dam across Ghataprabha river had doubled during last three days and was receiving 22,833 cusecs, as recorded on Thursday morning. Rainfall Sources said 1727.70 mm rainfall has been received till July 14, as against 1971.00 mm, the normal rainfall for July.