Ballari Nala silt woes persist, farmers fear monsoon floods

Belagavi: Despite forecasts of rain and strong winds, the long-pending desilting of Ballari Nala remains unaddressed, raising concern among farmers. The major canal, which carries the city’s sewage, routinely overflows during the monsoon, inundating nearby agricultural fields. Though authorities have repeatedly promised a permanent solution, no concrete action has been taken so far, leaving farmers vulnerable yet again.

Ballari Nala is a 58km long stream that flows along the outskirts of Belagavi, originating from Yallur Hills and joining the Markandeya River near Karaguppi. Once a freshwater source, it now functions as a major sewage carrier, facing severe pollution while serving industrial and agricultural areas.

It flows southeast through Belagavi, passing areas such as Khasbag, Vadgaon and Shahapur, and villages including Mutaga, Sambra and Sulebhavi. It acts as a primary drain for city wastewater, especially through its tributary, Lendi Nala.

The nala is frequently linked to flooding that damages crops and is plagued by heavy sewage pollution, with repeated calls for desilting and renovation.

Farmers and residents say that unless weeds covering the canal are cleared before the monsoon, there is a risk of water entering surrounding areas.

Flooding of fields and nearby localities is a recurring issue. Before every monsoon, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) undertakes temporary cleaning and minor works to prevent inundation, often halting water flow and disrupting traffic.

Currently, aquatic weeds have spread from Yallur to Sulebhavi, and silt deposits are obstructing smooth flow.

Prakash K, a resident, said a two-to-three-foot cement base laid during National Highway bridge construction has obstructed flow, causing water to stagnate. Backwaters now encroach on hundreds of hectares of residential and agricultural land. Unscientific bridges and roads across the nala have worsened the situation.

Notably, Ballari Nala does not fall under BCC jurisdiction, though most of the damage occurs in its limits.

Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan had last year promised to take up the issue in coordination with BCC and social organisations, but no action followed. This year too, officials have assured desilting to ensure smooth sewage flow.