Madhya Pradesh remained under a spell of heavy monsoon activity on Saturday, September 5, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. Sheopur and Shivpuri were under an orange alert for very heavy rain, while several districts across the Gwalior-Chambal, Sagar and adjoining regions faced heavy rainfall warnings.

The weather system has also affected normal life in flood-prone areas. Schools and anganwadi centres were closed in several districts as a precaution, while swollen rivers, overflowing dams and waterlogged roads were reported from parts of northern and central Madhya Pradesh.

Heavy Rain Warning Across Northern MP

The latest weather activity is associated with a well-marked low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring areas. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh during September 3–5, with heavy rain activity expected to continue in parts of the state after that period.

For September 5, the districts identified in the supplied weather update for heavy or very heavy rainfall include Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Sagar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa and Mandsaur.

The IMD's Bhopal centre has separately indicated very heavy rainfall conditions for West Madhya Pradesh on September 5 and heavy rainfall conditions for East Madhya Pradesh. 

Schools Shut in Several Districts

With heavy rain and flood-like conditions affecting some areas, district administrations have announced school closures for Saturday.

Schools and, in some districts, anganwadi centres were closed in Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Bhind, Gwalior and Raisen.

The extent of the closure varies by district. In Sheopur and Guna, the holiday applies from nursery through Class 12, while Bhind and Gwalior have announced closure up to Class 8. Raisen has ordered closure of government and private schools across the district.

The decisions have been taken as precautionary measures amid concerns over waterlogging, swollen rivers and difficult travel conditions.

Sheopur Sees Rising Water Levels

Sheopur has emerged as one of the areas facing significant disruption from the latest spell of rain. The Amral River is in spate, while the Avda Dam has reportedly overflowed after reaching its stated storage level.

Water has entered parts of the vegetable market and other low-lying areas, affecting shops and roads. The route between Vijaypur and Tetara was also reported to have been closed after water reached a bridge over the Kwari River.

The Gupteshwar Temple area has also been affected by rising water, while the Kila Gate area reported waterlogging. Police teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations to monitor the situation.

Dams and Rivers Remain Under Watch

Several water bodies across the state are responding to the continued rainfall.

In Shivpuri, the Harsi Dam began overflowing on Saturday after sustained rainfall increased inflows. Water was reportedly flowing around one-and-a-half feet above the dam's waste weir.

In Bhopal, one gate of the Bhadbhada Dam was opened amid rising water levels. In Mandla, the Narmada River was also reported to be running high, while the Mandakini in the Satna-Chitrakoot region remained a concern after its recent rise.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid rivers, streams, dams and other waterlogged areas, particularly where currents are strong.

MP Has Received 762.7 mm Rain So Far

According to the weather figures cited in the supplied report, Madhya Pradesh had received 762.7 mm of rainfall, or roughly 30 inches, by September 5.

The figure remained below the state's normal rainfall of about 816 mm for the corresponding period, representing a shortfall of around 7%.

However, rainfall distribution has been uneven. The eastern part of Madhya Pradesh had moved into a surplus position, while the western region continued to record a substantial deficit.

Twenty-four districts, including Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Bhopal, Panna, Satna, Rajgarh and several others, were reported to have received rainfall above their respective averages.

More Rain Possible Through September 8

The weather system is expected to remain active over parts of Madhya Pradesh in the coming days. The IMD's September 4 outlook indicated heavy rainfall activity over both western and eastern Madhya Pradesh on September 6, with further heavy rainfall warnings for East Madhya Pradesh on September 7 and 8. (Mausam)

The continuing rainfall comes after a relatively uneven monsoon season. While June recorded below-normal rainfall, stronger spells in July and August helped narrow the overall deficit.

For now, the focus remains on northern Madhya Pradesh, where swollen rivers, overflowing water bodies and waterlogging are creating local disruptions. With more rain forecast in the next few days, residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to remain cautious and follow local administration advisories.

 Madhya Pradesh is witnessing another spell of rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heavy rainfall alert for Panna, Satna and Rewa on Saturday. The three districts could receive up to four inches of rain in the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain was also reported in Dindori on Saturday morning, while Shivpuri witnessed intense rainfall through the night, causing rivers and streams to swell and water to enter several villages.

The IMD has forecast light rain or drizzle in several other parts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur.

Shivpuri Roads Cut Off

Shivpuri experienced heavy rain on Friday night, particularly around the Pichhore area between 1 am and 3 am.

The rising water level of the Mahuar River led to the closure of the Khod-Pichhore road. Water also entered several villages, including Gurukudvaya.

Fields were inundated, raising concerns about damage to standing crops. In Karera, the river was seen flowing with a strong current for the first time this monsoon season.

While the rainfall brought some relief to residents, the district continues to face a rainfall deficit compared with last year.

MP Records 20% Rainfall Deficit

According to the IMD, Madhya Pradesh has received an average of around 16.8 inches of rainfall so far this monsoon season, against the expected 21 inches during the period.

This represents a deficit of around 4.2 inches, or 20 per cent.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall is around 37.3 inches. Despite fresh rain in several areas, the overall rainfall figure remains below normal.

29 Districts Receive Less Rain

The eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions, have recorded around 23 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Districts reporting rainfall deficits include Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria.

Deficits in these districts range between around 5 per cent and 48 per cent.

The western parts of the state, covering Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal divisions, have recorded around 17 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Six Districts Above Normal

Only six districts in the western part of the state have recorded rainfall above their average levels so far.

These include Gwalior, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Khandwa and Khargone.

Officials said the overall rainfall pattern remains uneven, with some areas receiving intense spells while several other districts continue to face a deficit.

June and July Also Below Normal

Madhya Pradesh recorded around 14 per cent less rainfall in June.

Although rainfall increased during the initial part of July, the monsoon subsequently went through two breaks, resulting in several relatively dry days.

A strong weather system became active again during the final week of July, bringing rain to several parts of the state. Despite the renewed activity, July rainfall remained around 13 per cent below normal, according to the weather department.

Bhopal's August Rainfall Record

August is generally an active monsoon month in Bhopal. The city's highest monthly August rainfall was around 35 inches in 2006.

The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in August was nearly 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Bhopal also received more than 30 inches of rain during August in 2015 and 2022. The city normally receives rain on around 14 days during the month.

Indore's Record Rainfall

Indore's highest August rainfall is around 28 inches, recorded in 1944.

The city's highest 24-hour August rainfall was recorded on August 22, 2020, when around 10.5 inches of rain fell.

Indore normally receives around 10 to 11 inches of rainfall during August, with rain recorded on approximately 12 to 13 days of the month.

Gwalior and Jabalpur Records

Gwalior's highest 24-hour rainfall record for August stands at around 8.5 inches, recorded on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur has an even higher historical record. The city received around 44 inches of rain in August 1923, the highest monthly figure cited in the data. On August 20 that year, around 13 inches of rain fell within 24 hours.

Jabalpur normally receives around 18 inches of rainfall in August, with rain occurring on approximately 16 days of the month.

For now, the IMD's latest alert indicates that heavy rain activity will remain concentrated in parts of eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, while the state continues to monitor areas where rivers, streams and low-lying settlements are vulnerable to waterlogging.

The Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has sharply questioned the state government over a fresh proposal seeking ₹191.24 crore to restore Shivpuri's Sankhya Sagar Lake, observing that responsibility must first be fixed for the alleged failure of an earlier ₹111-crore sewerage project.

Hearing a matter concerning the discharge of untreated sewage into Sankhya Sagar Lake inside Madhav National Park, the court termed the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) "shocking" and directed the state to identify officials responsible before seeking additional public funds.

Court Questions Fresh Funding

During the hearing, the SIT submitted a report recommending a fresh allocation of ₹191.24 crore for measures aimed at preventing sewage from entering the lake and improving wastewater management.

The court, however, questioned the rationale behind the proposal, noting that nearly ₹111 crore had already been spent on laying sewer lines and constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), yet the project had reportedly failed to become operational.

The bench observed that seeking fresh funding without establishing accountability for the earlier expenditure was unjustified.

List of Responsible Officials Sought

The High Court directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Administration Department to appear personally on July 27 with all relevant records in a sealed cover.

The court also sought a detailed list of officials allegedly responsible for the failed project and indicated that the issue of approving any fresh budget would only be considered after accountability had been established.

Recovery from Guilty Officials

During the proceedings, the state's counsel informed the court that if any officials were found responsible during the investigation, the government would initiate action to recover the financial loss incurred in the project from them.

The bench emphasized that public money could not be repeatedly spent on the same project without fixing responsibility for previous failures.

Former Official Asked to Respond Independently

The court also declined to accept an affidavit filed by former official Alka Upadhyay through the government's counsel.

It directed that she must present her defence either personally or through her own legal representative, instead of being represented by the state.

Questions Over Administrative Inaction

Madhav Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Hari Om, who was present during the hearing, informed the court that information regarding former officials was being collected.

The bench responded that the issue was not limited to past officials, but also concerned the continuing environmental damage to the lake. It questioned why no action had yet been initiated against officials currently responsible for monitoring the project.

The court granted the officer 15 days to initiate appropriate action.

Municipal Officer Pulled Up

The court also questioned Shivpuri Municipal Council Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) Yashwant Rathore, who produced photographs showing sewage flowing directly into Sankhya Sagar Lake.

When asked about monitoring reports, the CMO reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. The court observed that responsibility could not simply be shifted to subordinate officials, including the sanitary inspector.

The CMO assured the bench that he would personally supervise future monitoring of the sewage management system.

Next Hearing on July 27

The matter will now be heard on July 27, when the Additional Chief Secretary is expected to submit the complete project records along with the list of officials allegedly responsible for the failed implementation.

The High Court is also expected to consider whether criminal proceedings and financial recovery should be initiated against those found accountable for the alleged wastage of public funds.

Fresh spells of heavy rain brought relief to several parts of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday even as the weather department issued alerts for thunderstorms and showers in 43 districts.

Mandsaur and Sehore witnessed intense rainfall, while more than 30 districts received rain in the last 24 hours. Shivpuri recorded the highest at 2.5 inches, followed by Chhindwara with around 1.5 inches and Bhopal with 1.25 inches.

In Bhopal, morning showers accompanied by thunder and lightning led to waterlogging in low-lying areas and power outages in several localities. Strong winds and rain caused significant damage in Shivpuri, where trees and electricity poles were uprooted, a dhaba and a house collapsed, and vehicles at a petrol pump were affected.

Ratlam saw roads and underbridges flooded after heavy downpour. Jhabua and Vidisha also received good rainfall, bringing much-needed respite from the heat. However, the monsoon activity turned tragic in Sehore where a youth died after being struck by lightning.

Night temperatures showed variation. Khajuraho recorded the highest minimum at 29.4 degrees Celsius, while Khandwa was the coolest at 20.4 degrees. Other major cities saw moderate minimums with Bhopal at 23.2 and Indore at 22.8 degrees Celsius.

The recent rain has helped narrow the state’s overall rainfall deficit. From June 1, Madhya Pradesh has received 63.5 mm against the normal 107.3 mm — a shortfall of 41 per cent. Western parts have fared better than the eastern regions.

The IMD has forecast more rain and thundershowers in the coming days. The monsoon, which had stalled after entering 15 districts, is now showing signs of gradual advancement.

While farmers welcomed the showers for kharif sowing, incidents of lightning and waterlogging highlighted the need for better preparedness. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open areas.

As the monsoon gains momentum, the coming week will be crucial for rainfall distribution across the state. Residents in rain-deficient areas continue to wait for widespread showers.