Karnataka govt readies plans to face floods amid Covid
BENGALURU: Even as Karnataka is facing an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases , another crisis — a flood-like situation — seems imminent. Having experienced floods in two previous years, the government is preparing for the worst this monsoon.
Last year’s heavy rains claimed several lives and displaced lakhs of people in the affected areas.
The flood-prone districts include Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru , Udupi , Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts. Orange and red alerts have been sounded across many districts since the last few days.
However, sources said the government this time is ready with an integrated approach that involves regulating dams, setting up makeshift relief camps and a rescue plan to save lives and livestock.
Over the past two months, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has been working on a technology-based action plan to meet possible exigencies. Officials said emergency action plans are ready for over 12 dams. “We’re in a much better position compared to 2018 and 2019, and several rounds of preparatory meetings were held between stakeholders. We’ve trained people to handle emergencies,” said Manoj R Rajan, commissioner of Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority.
However, sources said the government this time is ready with an integrated approach that involves regulating dams, setting up makeshift relief camps and a rescue plan to save lives and livestock.
Over the past two months, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has been working on a technology-based action plan to meet possible exigencies. Officials said emergency action plans are ready for over 12 dams. “We’re in a much better position compared to 2018 and 2019, and several rounds of preparatory meetings were held between stakeholders. We’ve trained people to handle emergencies,” said Manoj R Rajan, commissioner of Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority.
August and September have emerged as a risky period for daminduced floods. Taking note of this, an effective communication system has been put in place between all big dams and reservoirs. “In previous years, operators allowed dams to brim as early as July and the sudden gush of water, coinciding with excessive rainfall, drowned the unprepared district in August and September. Belagavi was the worst hit last year. This year, dams will be full to their capacity only towards the end of monsoon (September). This will provide them a cushion during excessive rain, thus curbing the chances of floods in downstream areas. We’ve been updating the dam authorities with weather forecasts using hi-tech systems,” he added.
A rural development and panchayat raj official said they’re ready with 100 relief camps and 300 boats and ferries to be operated in case of floods in Belagavi and Bagalkot.
“I've reviewed the situation and issued a red alert in Uttara Kannada, DK, Udupi, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan which may get rain in two days,” said R Ashoka, revenue minister.
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