Karnataka Monsoon Rains Boost Dam Levels as Flooding Disrupts Several Districts

Bengaluru, July 6: After a delayed onset, the southwest monsoon has finally gathered strength across Karnataka, bringing widespread rainfall to several parts of the state. While the showers have provided much needed relief by replenishing rivers and increasing water storage in major reservoirs, they have also triggered flooding, disrupted transportation and caused damage to property in many districts.

Reservoirs across northern and southern Karnataka have witnessed a sharp rise in inflow over the past few days. Rivers including the Krishna, Malaprabha and Cauvery are flowing strongly following continuous rainfall in the Western Ghats and adjoining regions of Maharashtra. The improved water storage has brought relief to farmers who had been waiting for consistent monsoon activity.

In Kodagu district, persistent rain has significantly increased the water level in the Harangi Reservoir, with the storage rising by nearly four feet within a day. The Chiklihole Reservoir is also nearing its full capacity. However, strong winds accompanied by heavy rain led to trees falling on parked vehicles at the Cauvery Nisargadhama near Kushalnagar. Power supply was disrupted in several areas around Madikeri after electric poles collapsed. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Kodagu until July 9.

Northern Karnataka has been among the worst affected by the heavy rainfall. Continuous showers in the Western Ghats and upstream areas of Maharashtra have sharply increased the flow into the Krishna River. Several bridges in Belagavi district, including the Kallol Yadur bridge in Chikkodi taluk, have gone underwater, disrupting connectivity. Overflowing Dudhganga and Vedganga rivers have also submerged key bridges in Nippani taluk. In Khanapur, rising Malaprabha river water partially submerged the well known Maruti temple at Habbanatti village. Meanwhile, authorities released water from the Hipparagi Barrage in Bagalkot as inflow continued to rise.

Rainfall has also intensified across Shivamogga district, where the Tunga, Sharavathi and Varada rivers are flowing at higher levels. Increased inflow has been recorded at both the Tunga Dam near Gajanur and the Linganamakki Reservoir. The famous Jog Falls has come alive with a spectacular flow, attracting large numbers of visitors. Rising river levels have also been reported in parts of neighbouring Davanagere district.

In Chikkamagaluru, misty weather and continuous light rain have transformed the Charmadi Ghat into a popular destination for tourists. However, heavy winds uprooted large trees in villages including Tripura, Bakki and Badavanadinne, blocking roads and affecting traffic movement for several hours.

Heavy rain has also created difficulties in coastal and central Karnataka. Authorities have restricted tourist entry to the popular Kudlu Falls in Udupi district because of safety concerns as the waterfall continues to swell. In Hassan district, a retaining wall at an under construction site collapsed in Sakleshpur, damaging two nearby houses. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Although the delayed monsoon has caused temporary disruption in several regions, the widespread rainfall has greatly improved water availability across Karnataka. The rise in reservoir levels and renewed river flow are expected to benefit agriculture and strengthen water resources for the coming months, offering fresh hope to farmers across the state.