On August 1st, the residents of Uppinangady witnessed the Netravati and Kumaradhara rivers flowing in full spate, sparking fears of floods in the area. The rivers, which are the lifelines of Dakshina Kannada district, began flowing full from late Friday night due to good rainfall in their basins. By morning, the Netravati river was flowing at 28 meters above sea level, and despite a slight decrease by 10:30 AM, the water level began to rise again, reaching 30 meters by 7:30 PM. The danger level for the river is 30.05 meters. Near the Sri Sahasralingeshwara-Mahakali Temple, 35 out of 36 steps leading to the river were submerged by 7:30 PM. As the rivers are in full flow, agricultural areas in the river basin have been inundated, and low-lying areas near Subramanya Cross in Uppinangady have been flooded, with residents of six houses evacuated. The water level in the Gundya stream has also increased, affecting agricultural areas. Good rainfall in areas like Subramanya, Kukkupuli, Ujire, Charmadi, Somantadka, Laila, and Kalkunja has contributed to the rivers flowing full. If rainfall continues, there is a possibility of the rivers overflowing and causing floods. The confluence of the Kumaradhara and Netravati rivers near the temple is a significant event, and if the river water continues to rise, it may lead to a sacred confluence, which has occurred in previous years, including 1997, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2018, and 2019. The Sagar Power Project water storage dam has opened all its gates, and electricity generation has been stopped. Revenue and Home Guard teams are camped in the area, with the Home Guard Flood Rescue Team present near the Netravati river bathing ghat.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK