Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Jul 18: Farmers and villagers of Chitrapadi and Karkada Badaholi have expressed their concern over the increasing flooding during the monsoon season due to silt accumulation in the Hire Hole stream. In a press conference, they mentioned that the agricultural land and homes in Karkada Badaholi get submerged even during light rains every monsoon season. This time, around 20 houses have been flooded, and about 100 acres of agricultural land have been destroyed. Of this, 60 acres of agricultural land in the Chitrapadi area are still not in a condition to be cultivated. They cited the silt-filled Hire Hole stream as the main reason for these issues.

The flow of water from Chitrapadi is obstructed by small embankments. The silt has not been removed for 12 years, leading to recurring flood problems for the past five years. The recent rains on Tuesday caused homes and agricultural land to be submerged, witnessed by officials from the town panchayat and the revenue department. Additionally, the Bannadi road on the Kota Saibrakatte road was completely submerged.

A small bridge is currently under construction, and once completed, the water volume is expected to increase fivefold. This will pose a significant threat to Chitrapadi and Karkada Bailu. The local town panchayat and revenue department need to provide a clear report on this issue to the relevant department, they urged.

Present at the press conference were Ramesh Mendan, Umesh Hebbar, K. Shivarama Karanth, Srinivas Karanth, Keshava Nayari, Suresh Mendan, and Chandra Karkada, among others.