Torrential rains lashing Kalaburagi district and neighboring regions in Maharashtra have led to severe flooding along the Bhima River. Authorities have responded by issuing a red alert in Maharashtra and an orange alert in Kalaburagi to warn residents of the escalating situation.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, also the district in-charge, recently visited the flood-stricken villages. Following his inspection, he convened a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, emphasizing the ongoing relief operations coordinated with the district administration.
After assessing the damage, particularly in Afzalpur taluk where crop losses are significant, Minister Kharge stated, “The villages along the Bhima are currently battling floods due to the combined impact of heavy rainfall in our district and Maharashtra. Comprehensive relief efforts are in full swing, working closely with the district administration.”
Unprecedented Rainfall Records
Minister Kharge highlighted the extraordinary rainfall figures for Kalaburagi. From January to September 25, 2025, the district received 901 mm of rain, marking a substantial 47% increase over the average 614 mm. August alone saw 263 mm against a normal 156 mm, a 69% surge, while the period from September 1 to 25 recorded 202 mm, 39% above average. The last week witnessed 88 mm of rainfall, an 85% increase compared to typical levels. These figures underscore the intensity of the downpour, which has severely impacted major crops such as pulses, cotton, and paddy.
Crucial Flood Relief Measures
The Minister urged residents living near the riverbanks to exercise extreme caution and avoid the river for the next three days. He assured that the district administration would make earnest efforts to assist those requiring resettlement, provided they furnish the necessary details.
Massive Water Discharges Intensify Flooding
Adding to the crisis, Minister Kharge pointed out the substantial water discharge from Maharashtra’s reservoirs. Approximately 45,000 cusecs from Ujani, 2.7 lakh cusecs from Sina, 30,000 cusecs from Vira, and 5,000 cusecs from the Bhori stream have poured into the Bhima, causing a rapid escalation of the flood situation. He noted that the Sonna barrage in Afzalpur released 3.45 lakh cusecs, contributing significantly to downstream flooding.
Extensive Food and Shelter Operations
According to the Minister, 36 villages across Afzalpur, Jewargi, Kalaburagi, and Chittapur taluks have been impacted. The district administration has established 31 relief centers, with 12 currently active, providing shelter to 1,436 individuals. Furthermore, food kits are being distributed to nearly 2,500 flood-affected families, with support from Kalaburagi MP Radhakrishna Doddamani.
Dedicated Emergency Teams on Ground
A 20-member specialized National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Deval Ganagapur to bolster rescue operations. Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and Revenue officials are also actively involved in relief efforts.
Ongoing Crop Damage Assessment
Minister Kharge reported that joint surveys by the Agriculture, Revenue, and Horticulture departments indicate crop damage across more than 1.05 lakh hectares. He confirmed that about 90% of these surveys are complete, with a full assessment of crop loss expected shortly. The Chief Minister has been kept abreast of the crop damage situation.
Farmer Insurance and Compensation Updates
For the 2025-26 season, 3,00,952 farmers are enrolled in crop insurance, with 59% having filed claims for damages. Surveys for these claims are 75% complete. For the 2024-25 season, ₹315.64 crore has already been approved as insurance compensation and is expected to be credited to farmers’ accounts soon.
Reflecting on previous relief efforts, Minister Kharge mentioned that during 2023-24, 8,91,277 farmers received ₹1,417 crore in compensation, including input subsidies and crop insurance. From 2023-24 to 2024-25, 3,63,368 farmers received ₹846.03 crore in crop insurance payouts. Specifically for pigeon pea crop damage in Kalaburagi, 1,78,354 farmers were compensated with ₹182 crore. He contrasted these figures with the ₹389.14 crore provided for floods and drought, asserting that only ₹206 crore was released under the previous BJP administration.
Responding to recent criticisms from the BJP implying his absence from the district, Minister Kharge stated, “My accountability is to the people, not to the BJP. Their criticism of our Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and then me, simply serves to advance their own party ranks.”