All 30 Gates of Basavasagar Dam Opened Amid Heavy Rainfall; Flood Threat Looms in Raichur

RAICHUR – Heavy rainfall in the Krishna River catchment area has caused a surge in water inflow to the Basavasagar reservoir at Narayanpur in Yadgir district, prompting authorities to open all 30 gates of the dam to release 1.07 lakh cusecs of water from 8 a.m. on Sunday. The reservoir recorded an inflow of 1.1 lakh cusecs at 8 a.m., leading to concerns over flooding in riverside villages across Raichur, Lingasugur, and Devdurg taluks.

Villages such as Karakalgaddi, Madaragaddi, Honkammanagaddi, and Yaragodi in mid-river areas of Lingasugur taluk are facing severe difficulties. Residents have been warned to stay away from the river, and those living in vulnerable mid-river zones have been advised to relocate to safer areas. The reservoir is currently at 81% capacity, and increased inflow from the Almatti dam has further exacerbated the situation.

Water discharge from Basavasagar dam rose from 84,445 cusecs at 3 p.m. on Saturday to 1.07 lakh cusecs on Sunday, with officials warning that outflow may continue to increase.

Since June 15, significant water release has been ongoing. However, rising water levels in Karakalgaddi have stranded seven individuals, including children, along with others in Madaragaddi and Honkammanagaddi. Dyamanna Ammapura, a Karakalgaddi resident, lamented the uncertainty and dwindling supplies, saying, “The groceries we purchased 15 days ago are almost over.”

Basavanneppa Kalashetty, Assistant Commissioner, assured that a taluk-level team has been formed to manage the flood situation. He stated, “Officials are engaging with riverside villages to raise awareness and ensure the safe relocation of those still stranded in Karakalgaddi.”