Date:24/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/24/stories/2008072452340300.htm

Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad

Rain brings with it its share of woes

Staff Correspondent

Many low-lying areas flooded
17 families of Hanumanthnagar shifted to safe places

HUBLI: While Tuesday’s rain in the twin cities and surrounding areas brought relief to farmers, the downpour brought with it a lot of problems to the residents of low lying areas.

Residents of Jannatnagar, Laxmi Singanakeri and Bhavikatti Plot in Dharwad; Anand Nagar, Ganesh Nagar in Old Hubli and areas along the Karki Halla in Hubli had to suffer as their areas were flooded with rainwater.

The old national highway (no. 4) in Dharwad near Toll Naka and major junctions in Hubli were flooded putting the motorists tohardship. In Hubli, the Karki Halla flooded the Islampur Road.

Shifted

The downpour forced 17 families in Hanumanthnagar near Unakal to move out of their huts and to take shelter in a community hall. Rainwater entered these huts. Corporation officials rushed to the spot and shifted them to safe places.

The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has been taking steps n annual basis to help the residents of low-lying areas, which however are of temporary nature.

Thirty low-lying areas in Hubli-Dharwad have been identified as flood-prone. One of the major reasons for flooding in these areas has been the disorderly growth and lack of proper drainage system. However, only temporary relief measures have been taken up so far and as a result the hardships the residents have to face during rainy season continue.