Unprecedented rain in Ramanagaram district causes havoc; two dead, many houses damaged

The unprecedented rainfall in Ramanagaram district, close to right here, because the early hours of Monday has claimed lives of two individuals and flooded over 5,000 houses, damaging round 2,200 houses.

While the Bengaluru-Mysuru freeway was flooded at varied locations attributable to overflowing lakes, the Ramanagar city, Channapatna and elements of Magadi taluk bore the brunt. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who went on an inspection of the rain-damaged areas in Ramanagaram, blamed the unfinished works that had clogged the drains for the flooding of the National Highway, houses and agriculture fields. ₹10,000 shall be given as compensation instantly to the affected households, he stated, including that meals kits that may final for a month has been distributed.

Providing the preliminary information on the extent of harm in the district, Mr. Bommai stated that 2,200 houses, together with 133 in Ramanagaram city, have been both partially or absolutely damaged whereas 3,863 houses throughout the district have been inundated. “One person each in Channapatna and Ramanagaram taluks have died in the rain related incidents,” he added.  Among the lack of cattle, he stated 16 cows and about 450 sheep/goat had died whereas 5,500 poultry hen perished in the floods.

Mr. Bommai stated that agriculture crops on 600 acres and horticulture crops in about 500 acres have been damaged. “More data will be available after a survey. It is not only the household equipment that has been damaged in inundation, but silk reeling units that are run at homes in Ramanagara town have suffered losses. Though not covered under NDRF norms, I have directed for a detailed survey of damages in such units.” The district administration has been directed to construct houses for about 50 scheduled caste households, which have misplaced their huts in Gandhi Grama, he added.

In circumstances the place lakes have been breached, he stated that non permanent preparations could be made to plug the breach instantly, and Minor Irrigation division shall be directed to take up building of stronger bund after the wet season.

Meeting of NHAI officers

A gathering of senior officers from National Highway Authority of India shall be convened to debate a potential change in the design of the nationwide freeway to forestall flooding of the street in future.

Potholes seen in flooded space of Arkeshwara structure in Ramanagaram district.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai advised presspersons at Ramanagaram, close to right here on Monday that the street had been designed bearing in mind the typical rainfall of the 20 to 30 years. “However, the area received huge quantum of rainfall. We will direct the highway officials to redesign the highway in some areas. Wherever needed, design changes will be made.”  

While former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy stated that he would take up the difficulty of unscientific design of the freeway with Union Minister for Surface Transport Nithi Gadkari, the Chief Minister additionally stated that he would convey all the problems to his discover in just a few days time when the Minister visits the state.