CH NEWS
BELAGAVI
In yet another sign of intense monsoon activity, the Rakaskop reservoir, the principal source of drinking water for Belagavi city, has overflowed for the second time this month. Incessant rainfall in the Western Ghats and surrounding catchment areas led to the water level reaching 2,474.40 feet on Monday, prompting authorities to open the reservoir’s second and fifth gates by seven inches.
Water is now being discharged into the Markandeya River, raising flood concerns. The Karnataka Water Supply Board has issued an advisory to farmers along the riverbanks, urging them to remain vigilant due to the possibility of a sudden rise in water levels.This is the second overflow event in July, the first having occurred on July 2. On Tuesday, the water level further increased to 2,474.50 feet due to continued heavy rains in the region.
The reservoir has a maximum capacity of 2,476 feet, and the current level is already 19 feet higher than during the corresponding period last year.
To prevent backflow into agricultural lands in Maharashtra, the Water Supply Board follows a policy of controlled discharge once the reservoir approaches 2,474 feet. Authorities acted swiftly this time to mitigate potential damage by releasing water early.
With more rain expected, residents and farmers in low-lying areas along the Markandeya River are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has rendered the newly constructed railway underpass at Manturga, on the Khanapur-Hemmadga-Anmod route, nearly unusable. Nearly three feet of rainwater has collected inside, halting traffic for all vehicles except heavy-duty trucks.
The flooding has turned the underpass into a virtual pond, leaving two-wheelers and four-wheelers stranded and forcing commuters to take a detour via Asoga. Local residents, who had earlier warned officials about the underpass’s low-lying design, are now demanding immediate action from railway authorities.