Lack of joint monitoring mechanism leading to floods in the Bhima basin, says Minister

Minister M.B. Patil speaking to people at a relief centre in Kumasagi village of Vijayapura district on Sunday.

| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Unlike in the Krishna basin, there is no joint inter-State mechanism for monitoring water levels and flood control in the Bhima basin.That is why, villages on the Bhima are likely to suffer flood loss, Industries and district in-charge Minister M.B. Patil said in Sindgi of Vijayapura district on Sunday.He said that people in some parts of Vijayapura and Kalaburagi districts have suffered unprecedented floods this year. Usually, floods are caused by water released from the Ujni reservoir.“However, this time, a huge amount of water has been released from the Sina river that has caused floods in villages along the Bhima, the former Irrigation Minister said.He spoke to reporters after visiting flood-hit areas in Vijayapura district. He interacted with flood-affected families in Indi and Sindgi taluks and promised them timely compensation and assistance.Officials tell me that as per initial estimates, crops on 1.38 lakh hectares have been damaged in the district. They include cotton, red gram and onion. Nearly half of sugarcane has also suffered damage, according to him. A detailed crop loss survey will be taken up and submitted to the State government, he said.He visited a relief centre in Kumasagi village at the Government Primary School in Sindgi and inspected facilities there. He spoke to inmates and instructed officials to ensure that they do not suffer from any inconvenience.There is a demand from victims to find a permanent solution to the problem of flooding. For that, “we need for land. We will convince the government of the need. If required, we will acquire land and build shelters,” he said.Old, low-lying bridges will be rebuilt or repaired. All this will be done in consultation with the victims.He asked the inmates not to panic as the district administration is fully prepared to handle the flood situation and safeguard both people and their livestock.Mr. Patil directed officials to ensure supply of food and medical assistance at the centre. He also visited the banks of the Bhima near Kumasagi and reviewed the flood situation.Deputy Commissioner K. Anand told him that 867 persons have taken shelter in 16 relief camps set up in the district. He also said that preliminary estimates show that 47 houses have suffered complete or partial damage.The Minister was accompanied by MLA Ashok Managuli, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rishi Anand, Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi and other senior officials. Published - September 28, 2025 07:33 pm IST