Sangli : In Shirala taluka, part of the Konkan district, there has been a variation in rainfall levels this monsoon season. Some areas have experienced only half of the usual rainfall, while others have seen one and a half to double the average rainfall. Tasgaon, Kawthe Mahankal, and Yerla in Khanapur taluka, traditionally known for drought conditions, have now started to see an excess of rainfall. The rising water levels in the Krishna River have caused the Mhaisal dam to be submerged, leading to a halt in traffic along this route.
Shirala taluka typically experiences a strong start to the monsoon season, with heavy to very heavy rainfall occurring in the Western Ghats during June and July. This results in a significant increase in water levels in Chandoli and Koyna Dam. However, this year, areas like Jat, Kavthe Mahankal, Khanapur, and Tasgaon have received double the average rainfall in the first four days of the monsoon. Rivers that are usually dry until August or September are now overflowing as early as June due to the increased water flow from streams and Yerala mixing with the Krishna River.
The flooding has caused the Mhaisal dam to be submerged, cutting off communication between Kanwad and Hasur villages in Kolhapur district. The average rainfall in different talukas over the past four days is as follows: Miraj 161.1mm (137.2mm), Jat 168.1mm (182.3mm), Islampur 156.4mm (116.2mm), Tasgaon 147.4mm (128.8mm), Shirala 112.8mm (57.2mm), Atpadi 144.4mm (184.4mm), Kavthemahankal 179.6mm (207.6mm), Palus 104.2mm (134.5mm), and Kadegaon 145.5mm (109.9mm).
In the last three days, continuous rainfall has caused streams and rivers to overflow, leading to flooding in forested areas. Farmers are currently awaiting clearance for sowing due to the delayed start of the monsoon. Despite preparations for kharif sowing, the lack of forest cover has caused delays. While the eastern region is experiencing heavy rainfall, the western ghats are still receiving less rain.
In the catchment area of Koyna Dam, there was a recorded rainfall of 71.95mm in the 24 hours leading up to 8 am today. The water resources department reported that Varanavati in the Chandoli Dam catchment area received 22mm of rainfall.