Rain wreaks havoc across Dharwad

Dharwad

Heavy and incessant rains threw life out of gear forcing people to be indoors as the roads and the fields are flooded. Residents of low-lying areas faced several challenges as a heavy downpour caused severe flooding in several areas. The relentless rain overwhelmed the drainage system, inundating homes and leaving property owners frustrated and angry over the authorities' lack of preparedness. The situation was dire in the Old Dharwad area and around the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), where choked drains and neglected gutters exacerbated the flooding, resulting in rainwater flowing onto the streets and inundating homes, leaving residents scrambling to salvage their belongings. Areas such as Haveripeth, Bhavikatti Plot, and the vicinity of the KSRTC bus depot were among the worst affected. Residents spent the night pumping out water from their homes and moving valuables to higher ground. Basavaraj Ghali, a local resident, expressed frustration with the civic authorities, stating that they only seem to respond to such disasters after the damage is done. Similar complaints were echoed throughout the affected areas, with many residents pointing to the lack of action from the authorities.

The situation on PB Road, which connects Hubballi and Dharwad, was also problematic. The road, including the BRTS corridor, was completely waterlogged, creating further challenges for commuters. Local residents, braving the heavy downpour, assisted vehicle owners by helping them move their cars and providing temporary shelter. This is the fourth time in just 15 days that the roads have been flooded, said Basu Patil, a vehicle owner.

In response to flooding, the HDMC launched a cleaning operation to clear the clogged drains and gutters using an earthmover. A team of civic workers was seen clearing the drainage system at Bhusappa Chowk, with plans for further action in other affected areas.