Date:02/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/02/stories/2005080208940300.htm

Karnataka - Belgaum

Situation worsens in Athani as Maharashtra releases water from Koyna dam

Staff Correspondent

80 villages alerted; arrangements made to shift villagers

BELGAUM: The situation in Athani taluk of Belgaum district has worsened with Maharashtra releasing surplus water from the Koyana dam into the Krishna.

Eighty villages on the banks of the Krishna in Athani, Chikkodi and Raibag taluks have been alerted and the district administration has made arrangements to shift villagers to safe places.

Official sources said here on Monday that people of 34 villages in Athani taluk, 36 in Chikkodi taluk and 10 in Raibag taluk are being shifted. Besides, people of five more villages in Hukkeri taluk are being shifted as the Hiranyakeshi is in spate owing to incessant rain.

Incessant rain has created havoc all over the district causing large-scale damage to crops and public property.

So far, 2,324 families from 85 villages have been shifted to safe places because of floods, house collapse and other rain-related incidents.

In Chikkodi taluk, 1,136 families and 628 families in Athani taluk have been shifted. Similarly, 176 families in Raibag taluk, 198 in Hukkeri taluk and 186 in Gokak taluk have been shifted. Thirteen mechanised boats have been pressed into service.

Fifty relief centres, including 19 in Athani, 20 in Chikkodi, nine in Hukkeri and two in Gokak taluks, have been set up for the affected families. Medical teams have been set up to ensure timely healthcare to these families.

The sources said 12 persons have died in rain-related incidents since June.

Five persons drowned in the rivers while seven died in house collapse and lightning.

The Government has announced Rs. 50,000 each as compensation to the kin of the victims.

According to the latest assessment, agricultural crops valued at Rs. 10.73 crores and horticultural crops worth Rs. 2.47 crores have been destroyed. The total loss as on July 31 has been put at Rs. 30.71 crores in the district. The loss of public property has been estimated at Rs. 15.52 crores, including Rs. 4.02 crores in Chikkodi taluk and Rs. 5.89 crores in Belgaum taluk.

Meanwhile, the district administration has appointed nodal officers in Athani, Raibag and Chikkodi taluks to monitor relief operations.

The Government has released Rs. 4 crores and 2,000 tonnes of foodgrains worth Rs. 1 crore for relief operations.

In July, the district received 5282.40 mm rainfall.