In the wake of the worsening flood situation along the Krishna and Bhima rivers in Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts in Kalyana Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday (September 28, 2025) has instructed Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner to maintain strict vigilance and ensure rapid deployment of rescue and relief efforts.

Heavy rainfall in Kalaburagi, combined with the release of large volumes of water from Maharashtra’s Ujani and Neera reservoirs, has put several low-lying villages, including Bennethora, at risk of rising waters.

Stressing that the response must be direct and personal, he told officials that the Deputy Commissioners and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the four Kalyana Karnataka districts should personally visit the flood-affected areas and take emergency measures.

Mr. Siddaramaiah called for responsibility at the state secretariat level, according to a statement issued by his office here.

Review flood-hit areas

The District in-Charge Secretaries must immediately visit the districts, review the situation, and guide the district administration to take necessary steps, the chief minister said in a meeting with the officials where Mr Gowda and Ms Rajneesh were present

Directing senior officials to maintain inter-departmental coordination, the chief minister insisted that the Secretaries of the Rural Development Department and the Additional Chief Secretaries of the Water Resources Department must visit the location.

As many low-lying areas were waterlogged, farm fields were inundated, the Chief Minister made it clear that human and animal lives were paramount. “Precautionary measures must be taken so that there is no loss of human lives, livestock, and animals,” he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah also directed officials to ensure supply of food in relief camps and fodder to domestic animals. Villagers, many of whom are farmers, have voiced concerns over loss of their crops and livestock, and demanded compensation.