Belagavi
Heavy rains continued to lash Belagavi and Uttara Kannada districts for the fourth straight day on Sunday, disrupting normal life. Rivers in the region are swelling due to continuous rainfall in the catchment areas. A temporary diversion built across the Malaprabha river near Kusmalli was washed away due to the strong flow of water.
Travellers on the Belagavi“Goa road via Chorla were shocked to see the damaged diversion. The entire structure, built near the under-construction Kusmalli bridge, was washed away on Saturday evening. Authorities said the diversion cannot be rebuilt because of the heavy water flow, but efforts are on to open the new bridge for traffic by Thursday. “With the diversion completely swept away, traffic has been rerouted via Khanapur and Bailur, and police personnel have been posted on both sides,” said Belagavi Superintendent of Police Dr Bhimashankar Guled. Commuters faced major inconvenience, and this road stretch is likely to remain closed for a few more days.
Officials also dismissed rumours that the Chorla Road was completely closed. “Only a diversion has been made; the rest of Chorla Road is open to traffic,” Khanapur police clarified.
“The water current in the Malaprabha is very strong due to the high inflow, making it impossible to restore the diversion. We are working hard to open the new Kusmalli bridge by Thursday,” said Executive Engineer Rajendra.
Meanwhile, road connectivity between parts of north Karnataka and towns like Sirsi and Kumta in Uttara Kannada was affected after a landslide on National Highway 766(E) near Devimane on Sunday morning. “A large section of the hillside collapsed onto the road, blocking traffic,” said Uttara Kannada SP Narayan.
Road access to north Karnataka is still possible via Ankola and Yellapur highways, or through Karwar via Matage Ghat, passing Honnavar, Gerusoppa, Mavingundi, and Sirsi.
