Belagavi, June 15: With the monsoon setting in, residents of several flood-prone localities in Belagavi are once again bracing for flooding and waterlogging, citing encroachments on natural nallahs and blocked stormwater drains as major concerns.
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Areas including Shastri Nagar, Tilakwadi, Vadgaon, old Belagavi, Maratha Colony, Dwarka Nagar, Kapileshwar Colony, Keshav Nagar, Annapurneshwari Nagar and Sambhaji Nagar remain vulnerable during heavy rainfall. Residents say the narrowing and diversion of nallahs over the years have significantly reduced the natural flow of rainwater, leading to frequent flooding.
According to locals, encroachments along key nallah stretches and the accumulation of silt have worsened the situation. Flooding has become a recurring problem over the last decade, affecting both residential and commercial areas whenever heavy rains lash the city.
“We face flooding due to nallah water spreading into the locality because of obstructions to the flow further downstream. Different nallahs converge near Shivaji Garden and the backwaters spread into our area,” said Sanjay, a resident of Shastri Nagar.
In response, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has stepped up monsoon preparedness measures, including desilting nallahs and clearing stormwater drains to improve water flow. The civic body has also formed quick response teams to handle emergencies.
BCC Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Udaykumar Talwar said engineers, health officials and sanitation workers have been deployed as part of the emergency response mechanism.
“Quick response teams comprising engineers, health officials and sanitation workers have been formed. Nodal officers and staff have been deputed to monitor water levels and will remain vigilant round the clock in shifts,” he said.
Talwar added that relief centres have been identified across the city and arrangements for food, medical assistance and temporary accommodation have been kept ready if required.
Despite these measures, residents are demanding permanent solutions, including the removal of encroachments on nallahs and restoration of natural drainage channels, to prevent recurring floods during the monsoon season.
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