Bhopal: Bhopal experienced significant disruption on Friday due to heavy showers that began on Thursday and continued intermittently into Friday. The downpour in the morning led to widespread waterlogging and inundation of roads, causing inconvenience to the city’s residents and severely affecting daily life. Additionally, water levels in major water bodies, including the Upper and Lower Lakes, as well as the Kolar and Kerwa dams, have continued to rise.
The heavy rains resulted in severe waterlogging across various parts of Bhopal, making it difficult for commuters to navigate the city’s roads. Many arterial roads and residential areas were submerged under several inches of water, leading to traffic snarls and delays. Public transportation services were also affected, with buses and auto-rickshaws struggling to operate on waterlogged streets. Several areas reported power outages, compounding the problems faced by residents.
Schools and colleges as well as many offices witnessed low attendance as employees struggled to reach their workplaces. Local markets and shops also saw a decline in business as customers stayed indoors to avoid the inclement weather. The situation was particularly challenging for daily wage laborers and street vendors, whose livelihoods were severely impacted by the rains.
Rising Water Levels
The heavy showers have led to a continuous rise in the water levels of Bhopal’s major water bodies. The Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Kolar Dam, and Kerwa Dam are all experiencing increasing water levels.
In response to the situation, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed teams to pump out water from the most affected areas and to clear clogged drains to facilitate the drainage of rainwater.
