Heavy inflows into the Kabini Dam, due to the monsoon rains that have been raining so hard over the region and continue to pour into it, have led to an alarming situation: the submergence of a critical bridge connecting Bidarahalli village in H.D. Kote taluk of Karnataka in Mysuru district to the Kabini Dam. This is an unfortunate situation because the dam has released an impressive quantity of water, 27,000 cusecs, as it has been able to release water from its reservoir, which is the way to control the water level and water in the dam.
The bridge is located in Beechanahalli near Kabini Dam. This old bridge, which has been an important link for Bidarahalli village people for so long is now inundated, and the structure is underwater. That inundation has totally affected the traffic and the flow of people to and from the city. The bridge has been blocked due to the high discharge of water, and the road has been closed, and the people can't move there.
The dam’s discharge was increased to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam and the flow of water to the surrounding catchment areas. This controlled release is one way to prevent disaster if water in the reservoir is not contained.
A submerged bridge is the old Bidarahalli bridge, which has served the community for years. There is a new bridge in proximity to this bridge under construction, and a much more robust and reliable connection for the residents will be made after that is completed. Now the old bridge is underwater all the way, so people need to be very careful and avoid this area of road until the water level is down to the level where it is safe to move on it.
Local officials are monitoring the situation closely, and the continuous rainfall in the Kabini catchment area could cause the water releases to be even higher in the next few days. Residents living along the riverbanks need to be very alert and to follow all of the advice given by the district administration as the situation can change rapidly with the weather.
The Irrigation Department and local officials have strongly warned residents and drivers not to cross the submerged bridge. The strong water current there is really dangerous, and crossing such a bridge will be a life-threatening situation, they say.
This incident is also a sharp reminder of the ongoing challenges of the southwest monsoon on Karnataka's river systems, where reservoirs throughout the state are experiencing significant inflows. While the abundant rainfall has proved helpful in terms of water storage, it also increased the risk of flooding in low-lying places and temporarily disrupted road connectivity, undermining daily life for many residents.
So far, the reservoir and downstream conditions are being watched, and the situation will be assessed as we go along with the situation with the reservoir and downstream, and the reservoir is being monitored. They have assured the public that the public will be notified if necessary to provide further advisories depending on the level of rainfall and inflow of water and the safety of all those living upstream to ensure all the residents of the affected areas.
