Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Jul 25: The flood that occurred in July 1974 is considered highly significant in the history of the taluk. Elderly residents recall that 50 years ago, in July 1974, the fierce flooding of the Netravati River turned Bantwal into an island, causing several houses to collapse.

While information about the 1923 flood can be found in Bhagwan Nityananda's book and on stone inscriptions, many witnesses of the July 26, 1974 flood still remain. Even the current generation is well aware of it.

Fifty years ago, when the Netravati River rose to 8 to 8.5 meters, it inundated Bantwal market, according to elders. However, now the water starts to overflow into Bantwal market only when it reaches 9 meters. Nevertheless, the surrounding low-lying areas of Bantwal are still flooded.

File photo of historic 1974 Bantwal flood

Although water levels exceeded the danger mark on July 19 this year, Bantwal market did not flood. This is due to sand mining in the Netravati River, which has increased its depth and width, requiring more water from the highlands to cause flooding. The river is attempting to display its fierce form from 50 years ago, as it swells with water.

In 1974, the flood submerged Bantwal, transforming it into an island. Shops, houses, livestock, and crops were all swept away, leaving the people of Bantwal in a state of despair.

Elders vividly recall the scenes of mud-walled houses collapsing under the force of the water and possessions being swept away. During that time, water crossed the Bantwal Bami Junction and flooded the market from all directions, leaving water everywhere.

With no alternative arrangements to move to safer places, the affected people had to take shelter in the old travelers' bungalow, which became a center of refuge. Although there was a risk of water entering there as well, the water eventually receded. Power outages plunged the area into darkness.

Hundreds of people, from young children to the elderly, had to stay in the travelers' bungalow for weeks until the Netravati River's fury subsided. Without any alternative roads, people struggled to reach safe places.

On July 26, 2024, it will be fifty years since the 1974 flood. This year, the fear of flooding has re-emerged as the date approaches. Although the water levels on July 19 did not match those of 1974, memories of the past have resurfaced.

Interestingly, July 26, 1974, was a Friday, and coincidentally, July 26, 2024, is also a Friday. Photographs taken by Narendra Acharya of Bantwal during that time have been widely circulating on social media over the past week, evoking memories of the past.