Date:27/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/27/stories/2005072706880300.htm

Karnataka - Belgaum

NH 4 closed to vehicular traffic

Staff Correspondent

BELGAUM: The Pune-Bangalore National Highway No. 4 has been closed to vehicular traffic as a bridge over the Doodhganga has submerged near Nipani owing to incessant rainfall in the district.

According to reports reaching the district headquarters here on Tuesday, the decision to ban movement of traffic on NH 4 was taken to ensure the safety of public.

Meanwhile, the district administration has shifted 25 families from Muttgalli near Sankeshwar, which has been flooded by the Hiranyakeshi. Another 15 families have been relocated in Chikkalgud and 20 families in Arjunwada in Hukkeri taluk.

All the families have been shifted to nearest the primary schools where relief measures, including food and medicine, have been arranged.

Also, water from the Kamatur tank in Saundatti is being released as a precautionary measure.

The tank is almost full. Water is being released to prevent a possible breach, official sources said.