Heavy Rain Alert for Madhya Pradesh on August 3–4; NDRF Rescues Elderly Man in Flood-Hit Bhind

Bhopal, August 2 (H.S.) — After a brief respite, the monsoon has once again become active across Madhya Pradesh. On Friday, light showers were recorded in some parts of the state, and cloudy skies continued into Saturday. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 26–30°C, with the likelihood of rain increasing by evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for several districts on August 3 and 4.

According to the IMD, humidity levels are set to rise across the state. Cities including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain may receive light to moderate rainfall. A cyclonic circulation and trough currently hovering over the state are expected to impact northern Madhya Pradesh within the next 24 hours. Heavy rain warnings have been issued for Gwalior, Chambal, and Sagar divisions. Districts such as Tikamgarh, Guna, and Niwari may experience strong winds (40–50 km/h) and lightning.

Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat has directed officials to closely monitor all dams and reservoirs in the state and ensure all necessary safety precautions are in place.

So far this season, the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh has received 62% above-average rainfall, and the western region 55% above average — leading to a statewide surplus of 8%. Major reservoirs across the state are currently at 72.75% capacity, with 18 dams already having opened their spillway gates.

NDRF Rescues Ill Senior Citizen in Flood-Affected Bhind

Flood conditions persist in Bhind district. On Friday, the Sindh and Chambal rivers were reported to be flowing 6–7 metres above the danger mark, cutting off several villages from main roads. Responding swiftly to reports of a sick elderly person trapped in Musawali village, the administration deployed an NDRF team, which successfully rescued the individual and transported him to a hospital. NDRF teams remain stationed in flood-prone areas, monitoring round-the-clock and providing relief and rescue operations as needed.

Reservoir and Dam Status Across Madhya Pradesh

Out of the 693 reservoirs under the Water Resources Department, a total of 9,902 MCM of water has been stored, which is over 76% of the full storage capacity of 13,026 MCM. Eighteen dams across the state have opened their gates, including:

• Bargi (Jabalpur) – 5 gates

• Bilgaon (Dindori) – 2 gates

• Gopi Krishna Sagar (Guna) – 1 gate

• Indira Sagar (Khandwa) – 12 gates

• Kotwal Feeder (Morena) – 2 gates

• Kutni (Chhatarpur) – 2 gates

• Manikheda (Shivpuri) – 10 gates

• Manuaar (Shivpuri) – 2 gates

• Matiyari (Mandla) – 6 gates

• Mohini Pickup Weir (Shivpuri) – 2 gates

• Omkareshwar – 19 gates

• Pagara (Morena) – 2 gates

• Pagara Feeder (Sagar) – 7 gates

• Pawai (Panna) – 1 gate

• Rajghat (Ashoknagar) – 8 gates

• Sanjay Sagar (Vidisha) – 1 gate

• Thawar (Mandla) – 1 gate

• Upper Kaketo (Sheopur) – 1 gate

Out of the 286 key reservoirs identified under the Reservoir Level Monitoring System, 104 have reached over 90% capacity, 31 between 75–90%, and 46 between 50–75%. Another 52 reservoirs are between 25–50%, 25 between 10–25%, and the rest below 10%.

In the Narmada Basin, rainfall has been above average. Reservoirs like Bargi (62.01%), Barna (78.9%), Tawa (82.45%), Kolar (64.37%), Indira Sagar (88.80%), and Omkareshwar (94.85%) are near capacity.

In the Ganga Basin, Bansagar in Shahdol is at 63.68%, and the Mahan Dam in Sidhi is at 80.81%.

In Van Ganga Basin, Pench (63.38%), Sanjay Sarovar (69.80%), and Rajiv Sagar (32.05%) show moderate levels. The Mahi and Tapti Basins also have healthy storage levels, with Parasdoah (60.64%), Mahi Main (42.32%), and Mahi Subsidiary (20.17%).

In Betwa Basin, reservoirs like Kerwa (52.78%) and Kaliyasot (60.91%) in Bhopal, Samrat Ashok Sagar (61.75%), Sanjay Sagar (70.71%), and Rajghat (73.18%) are well-stocked.

In Chambal Basin, Gandhi Sagar (52.42%), Mohanpura (75.59%), and Kundaliya (42.08%) have been significantly filled. Heavy rains in July also boosted storage across the Sindh, Ken, and Dhasan basins, especially in Bundelkhand districts like Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari. Bansujara Dam (53.43%) and Pawai Dam (50.67%) are notably full.

In Gwalior-Chambal division, districts such as Datia, Bhind, Shivpuri, Sheopur, and Ashoknagar have also received significant rainfall. Dams like Aawda (100%), Harsi (105.52%), Upper Kaketo (44.94%), Kaketo (100.98%), Madikheda (74.30%), and Mohini Pickup Weir (58.99%) are holding large volumes of water.

Precautionary Measures Advised

Last week, torrential rainfall in Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions led to flood-like conditions. The Betwa River overflowed in Raisen, submerging fields, temples, and bridges. The Narmada River also swelled, and with several dams overflowing, many low-lying areas are facing waterlogging.

The administration and weather department have advised residents to stay away from rivers and streams, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, and immediately contact local authorities or disaster control rooms in case of emergency.