Over 700 houses damaged; bund breach scare grips dist authorities

Dharwad: Incessant rain for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday filled most water bodies in the district and threw normal life out of gear.
Over 700 houses have been damaged partially or fully in the district. According to the deputy commissioner’s office 272 houses in Dharwad taluk, 33 in Alknavar, 95 in Hubballi, 87 in Hubballi rural, 112 in Kalghatagi, 18 in Annigeri, 40 in Navalgund and 48 houses in Kundgol taluks have been damaged.
The district which received 50 mm rain on Tuesday had 55 mm on Wednesday. The Met department has stated that heavy rain will continue for three more days.
Tupparihalla and Benni Halla are in spate and tanks in Kelgeri, Hulikeri, Neerasgar Lake near Dhumwad are full. The rain has also caused crop loss the extent of which is yet to be assessed.
Hulikeri overflowing
The Indirammana Kere at Hulikeri near Alnavar is overflowing and officials are trying to provide the excess water a safe passage. However, bunds collapsing has been a cause of worry. Opening of other channels to release excess water is likely to be dangerous as the water will inundate low-lying areas in Alnavar town.
A relief camp has been opened at Uma Bhavan in Alnavar and about 270 people are sheltered there.
MLA visits affected areas
Dharwad (Rural) MLA Amrut Desai visited Kabbenur, Harobelawadi, Kalle and Uppinabetageri villages on Wednesday and handed over compensation cheques to those who lost their houses in the rain.
Bus services suspended
Traffic on Dharwad-Belagavi road was blocked again on Wednesday with water overflowing on the Malaprabha Bridge near M K Hubballi. NWKRTC suspended its services. Those who had to reach Belagavi had to take a detour via Bailhongal.
In Dharwad taluk about 500 houses suffered damage to the tune of Rs 2 crore. A relief camp has been set up at Channabasveshwar School in Saptapur of Dharwad.
BRTS service between Dharwad and Hubballi was also disrupted with water flowing on to the dedicated lanes. Several roads connecting villages to Dharwad have been cut off.
The intensity of rain has reduced in Navalgund taluk but the inflow of water in Tuppari Halla and Benne Halla has increased. About 100 people have been sheltered at relief camp set up at Arekurahatti village.
DC performs puja
Deputy commissioner Deepa Cholan and Kalghatagi MLA C M Nimnbannavar visited Neerasagar which is full after a decade and performed puja on Wednesday.
The reservoir has become a picnic spot of sorts and many people are visiting it to see it full to its brim after several years.