Heavy rainfall and flooding have destroyed around 47,266 hectares of crops across Solapur district in Maharashtra, India. The flooding was caused by the overflowing Sina and Chandani rivers, which submerged farms and cut off access to several villages.
The Sina River, flowing through Madha, Mohol, and South Solapur tehsils, rose due to heavy rainfall in its catchment areas and the release of water from the Ujani and Sina-Kolegaon dams. The Chandani River, originating in the Balaghat mountain ranges in Dharashiv district, also rose after intense rainfall in the Bhoom, Vashi, and Kalamb tehsils.
As a result, crops including maize and onions were damaged, with some fields submerged under up to seven feet of water. Rising water levels also surrounded temples, schools, and health centers in multiple villages.
Authorities have begun assessing the damage. According to initial estimates, the worst-affected areas include Karmala, Barshi, South Solapur, and Akkalkot tehsils.
In Pandharpur, the Bhima (also known as the Chandrabhaga River) receded to 439 meters from 442 meters on Tuesday. The discharge from the upstream Ujani dam has also been reduced. On Wednesday, rainfall subsided in the catchment areas of the dam and river, providing some relief.
During a visit to the flood-affected areas, Solapur Congress MP Praniti Shinde called on the state government to declare a wet drought and provide immediate financial relief to farmers. "There should be an assessment of the damages as soon as possible, and monetary compensation should be given in 15 days," she said.
Source: Times of India