Karnataka Minister visits flood-hit Ganagapur, Sonna

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Kalaburagi district In charge Priyank Kharge on Friday visited Ganagapur, Sonna, and other areas that were hit by floods as a large volume of water has been released into the Bhima from Maharashtra’s Veer, Ujani, and Seena reservoirs and Bori river, triggering fears of flooding.

At Deval Ganagapur, the Minister inspected the Ganagapur-Itaga bridge which has been completely submerged due to the rising waters.

Villagers explained that the bridge gets submerged every year during floods, cutting off connectivity. They urged the Minister to raise its height to provide a permanent solution. Mr. Kharge told them that he will visit the spot again after the waters recede, conduct a detailed inspection and take necessary steps.

Expressing concern over the risk of contaminated water supply in flood-hit villages, the Minister directed the taluk panchayat executive officer to ensure the distribution of clean and purified drinking water to residents.

Mr. Kharge also visited the relief centre set up at the Ganagapur Yatri Nivas, interacted with the displaced residents and instructed officials to provide cooked meals and essential facilities at the camp.

He later inspected connectivity to the Sangam area which has been cut off by the floods.

During his visit, the Minister also examined crop damage. At Chaudapur village, he visited the fields of Hema Ashok, Dhanashree Kishor and Chandappa Gurappa Ambadi, where red gram crop has been destroyed. He also inspected farms at Mallabad where tomato and cotton crops have been destroyed by heavy rains.

He was accompanied by Member of Legislative Council Jayadev Guttedar, Kalaburagi Urban Development Authority Chairman Mazhar Alam Khan, district officials including Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasulu, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhanwar Singh Meena, Assistant Commissioner Sahitya, Joint Director of Agriculture Samad Patel, and officers from the Public Works and Revenue departments.