Heavy Rains lash Belagavi; Holiday declared for schools and colleges

BELAGAVI: Torrential rains continued to batter Belagavi city and surrounding areas, prompting the district administration to declare a holiday for schools and colleges on Wednesday. Authorities have urged residents to take suitable precautions to avoid any untoward incidents.

The rain, which began late Monday night, intensified on Tuesday, leading to waterlogging across major roads and residential areas. In Gandhi Nagar, the service road of the national highway and roads leading to the district hospital were submerged, severely affecting vehicle movement.

Residents of Maratha Colony struggled as rainwater entered their homes, while sewage overflowed onto roads near Shahapur police station. Commuters faced difficulties at the Dharmaveer Sambhaji Circle bus stand, which was inundated. School children were particularly affected during their morning and afternoon commutes.

Business activity in the city’s market area saw a noticeable drop due to waterlogging and low footfall. Meanwhile, over 10 trees were uprooted in areas like Shahu Nagar, Maratha Colony, Rani Channamma Nagar, and Visvesvaraya Nagar, blocking traffic. Municipal workers swiftly responded and cleared the debris.

Municipal Commissioner B. Shubha, Environmental Engineer Hanumantha Kaladagi, and municipal members visited the rain-affected areas to assess the damage and ensure timely relief measures. The civic body has also advised people to remain indoors unless necessary.

BOX

In the wake of widespread rains, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan declared a holiday on June 25 for Anganwadi centers, government, aided, unaided primary and high schools, and pre-university colleges in Belagavi and Khanapur taluks to ensure the safety of students and staff amid continued heavy downpour.