Kolhapur Gaganbawda Road Closed : Panchganga River Crosses Warning Level Amid Heavy Rains
Kolhapur, 24 July 2023 : The relentless heavy rains in Kolhapur district over the past five days have resulted in the Panchganga river crossing the warning level of 39 feet late at midnight and edging towards the danger level.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have initiated evacuations from vulnerable villages along the riverbanks, with Prayag Chikhli and Ambewadi being the first to receive assistance. The Radhanagari dam is currently 85 percent full and discharging 1400 cusecs of water.
The impact of the heavy rainfall has led to 80 dams in the district filling up, and communication with Konkan has been disrupted due to water overflowing on the Kolhapur-Gaganbawda route at Mandukli and Longhe. Consequently, 15 out of 24 state roads and 51 out of 122 major district roads have been closed since morning, causing significant inconvenience to travelers. More than 400 villages that depend on these routes have been isolated, but alternative routes have been arranged for their accessibility.
Continuous heavy downpours have caused streams, rivers, canals, and agriculture to overflow with water, leading to an escalating rise in the water levels of rivers and dams throughout the region.
As of 23rd July, the water level of the Panchganga river had steadily increased by inches every hour. It reached 39 feet 6 inches at 8 p.m. and subsequently surpassed the warning level during the night, triggering concerns for the safety of the nearby communities. In Kolhapur city, Kalamba Lake, a key water supply source for parts of A, B, and E wards, has accumulated 15 feet of its 27 feet capacity, ensuring a stable water supply to these areas.
Transportation in Konkan, including Goa, Panaji, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, has been suspended due to water inundation in Longhe and Mandukali in Gaganbawda taluka. An alternative route through Fonda Ghat is in operation. Notably, 80 animals and 125 people have already been relocated from Prayag Chikhli.
Dam Status and Precautions:
The Radhanagari dam, which is 84 percent full, may reach its maximum capacity soon if heavy rains persist. Authorities have advised residents residing along the riverbanks to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
The administration and concerned authorities have been working diligently to mitigate the impact of the floods. Despite challenges posed by the weather, officials promptly responded to a fallen tree on the Devgad-Nipani-Kaladagi state road at Fondaghat, clearing the road and restoring traffic flow.
Throughout the day, various rescue and relief efforts have been initiated, including evacuations from affected areas and the management of water storage in dams. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities continue to monitor developments closely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents in the region.
