Hundreds of acres of agriculture land on the banks of Bellary Nala have been submerged for the past 10 days following floods in the Nala resulting in heavy loss to the farmers.

Paddy was cultivated in around 80 per cent of land on the banks of Bellary Nala. Farmers alleged that the negligence of the district administration caused the crop loss due to flooding every monsoon. Though the water level is receding in the last two days, the actual loss would be known only after the level returns to normal.

Farmers of June (old) Belgaum, Vadgaon, Shahapur, Halga, Dhamane, Yellur, Belgaum, Basavan Kudachi and adjoining villages have been affected.

“The ongoing construction of a bridge on Old Pune-Bangalore Road is obstructing the flow of Bellary Nala causing the floods,” said Mallappa Patil, one of the affected farmers.

Farmer Devidas Chavan said: “Every year before farmers submit memoranda to the administration and City Corporation requesting them to desilt the Nala, but in vain.”

Source - http://www.newindianexpress.com/