Madhya Pradesh is seeing another spell of intense monsoon activity, with Dindori receiving continuous rain since around 5 am on Wednesday. Rivers and streams in the district have risen sharply, and the water flowing over some culverts has disrupted road connectivity to several villages. The weather department has also issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Tikamgarh, Panna and Narsinghpur, where 100 to 200 mm of rain could fall in the next 24 hours.

The situation in Dindori remained unsettled through the morning as rain continued without a significant break. Local reports said water levels in rivers and drains were rising and dozens of villages had been cut off from the district headquarters. The Roara drain was also reported to be overflowing, with water flowing over a culvert. Officials are keeping an eye on low-lying areas as the rain continues.

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the depression that was active over Jharkhand on August 18 has made eastern Madhya Pradesh one of the main centres of rainfall activity. The system is influencing Vindhya, Bundelkhand and Mahakoshal, where heavy to extremely heavy rain is expected on August 19. Rain activity is likely to gradually spread towards central and western parts of the state between August 20 and 24.

The rainfall comes at a time when Madhya Pradesh is still running below its normal seasonal rainfall. According to the Meteorological Centre, the state has received around 573.1 mm, or 22.6 inches, of rain so far. Normal rainfall for this period is around 651.4 mm, or 25.6 inches. That leaves the state about 12 per cent below normal, with the eastern region recording a deficit of around 16 per cent and the western region around 9 per cent.

Several districts continue to remain in deficit despite the latest spell. In the eastern part of the state, districts across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded below-normal rainfall. Dindori, Panna, Narsinghpur, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sagar and other districts are among those facing rainfall deficits. Some districts have recorded deficits ranging from 4 per cent to more than 50 per cent.

The western part of the state has also seen uneven rainfall. Areas including Indore, Dhar, Ratlam, Neemuch, Raisen, Sehore, Ujjain, Vidisha and Shivpuri are among the districts that have recorded below-average rainfall. At the same time, districts such as Anuppur, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Umaria, Bhopal, Gwalior, Khandwa, Khargone and Rajgarh have received more than their normal rainfall.

The changing weather pattern is also being watched because of the water level in major reservoirs. Nine gates of the Bargi Dam have been opened to release water, adding to the need for caution in downstream areas. With rivers and local drains already running high, further heavy rain could create problems in low-lying villages and on rural roads.

The current spell follows an uneven monsoon season. June ended with a rainfall deficit, while July saw periods of heavy rain followed by breaks in monsoon activity. Another strong weather system became active towards the end of the period, improving rainfall in several areas, though the overall deficit has not yet been fully recovered.

For now, the focus remains on eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, particularly Dindori, Panna, Tikamgarh and Narsinghpur. If the current system remains active, officials may have to monitor roads, bridges and water bodies closely. Residents in areas near rivers and overflowing drains have also been advised to remain cautious as the situation develops.

 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.

Madhya Pradesh has already received nearly 25% of its seasonal monsoon rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting that the state has recorded 234.4 mm (9.4 inches) of rainfall so far this season. This is around 10% above the normal average for the period, driven largely by widespread rainfall during the first nine days of July.

According to the IMD, 32 districts have received above-normal rainfall, while weather conditions are expected to remain favourable for continued showers throughout July. The department has forecast heavy rainfall in Panna and Satna districts over the next 24 hours, where more than 4 inches (around 100 mm) of rain could be recorded.

Apart from Panna and Satna, rainfall has also been forecast for several districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Dhar, Khargone, Khandwa, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Shivpuri, Guna, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh, among others.

July boosts monsoon performance

Despite a relatively weak June, when the state recorded rainfall nearly 30% below normal, the strong spell of rain in July has significantly improved the overall monsoon situation. The first nine days of July have not only erased the deficit but pushed seasonal rainfall above the long-term average.

While western Madhya Pradesh has received 29% more rainfall than normal, the eastern region continues to remain 9% below average, indicating uneven monsoon distribution across the state.

Several districts receive excess rainfall

Districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Sehore, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dewas, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Burhanpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni, Damoh, Dindori, Ashoknagar, Barwani, Pandhurna and Shajapur have recorded rainfall above normal levels.

On the other hand, districts such as Rewa, Satna, Panna, Sagar, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Umaria, Tikamgarh, Raisen, Dhar, Jhabua, Narmadapuram and Shivpuri continue to report rainfall below seasonal averages.

Dewas tops rainfall chart

Among all districts, Dewas has emerged as the wettest, recording nearly 18 inches of rainfall, around 125% above normal. Indore and Sehore have each received around 14 inches, while Harda has crossed 15 inches. Bhopal has recorded approximately 13.1 inches of rainfall so far this season.

In contrast, Alirajpur has received the least rainfall, with only about 2.25 inches recorded.

Heavy showers continue across state

Rainfall continued in several districts on Thursday. Mandla recorded nearly three-fourths of an inch of rain, while Singrauli and Balaghat received over half an inch. Moderate rainfall was also reported from Betul, Gwalior, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Sagar, Satna and Sidhi.

The ongoing rains have also disrupted normal life in some areas. In Tikamgarh, a bride's farewell procession had to pass through knee-deep water due to waterlogging and damaged village roads, highlighting the challenges posed by continuous rainfall.

Historic rainfall records

The IMD noted that July has historically been the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh.

• Bhopal recorded a monthly record of nearly 41 inches of rainfall in 1986, while its highest single-day rainfall of 11 inches was recorded on 22 July 1973.

• Indore witnessed its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on 27 July 1913.

• Jabalpur holds the state's highest monthly rainfall record, receiving nearly 45 inches in 1930, with a single-day record of 13.5 inches on 30 July 1915.

• Gwalior, comparatively drier, recorded its highest monthly rainfall of 24.5 inches in 1935.

With active monsoon conditions expected to persist over the coming days, authorities have advised residents in heavy rainfall-prone districts to remain alert and follow weather advisories.

 Residents affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and several other development projects in Madhya Pradesh have resumed their symbolic ‘Chita Andolan’ (Pyre Protest), alleging continued displacement, unfulfilled government promises and administrative apathy. The protest, which restarted on Friday near the Barana River close to Kupi village in Chhatarpur district, is being led primarily by tribal women under the slogan “Nyay Do Ya Mar Do” (Give Us Justice or Let Us Die).

The agitation involves families impacted by multiple infrastructure and irrigation projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgay Medium Irrigation Project, Runjh and Naiguwa irrigation schemes, and NTPC-related developments in Chhatarpur and Panna districts.

Protesters claim they have been repeatedly assured of rehabilitation and compensation but allege that most commitments made by the administration remain unfulfilled. The renewed movement comes months after a similar protest was temporarily suspended following discussions with officials.

Social activist and protest leader Amit Bhatnagar accused the administration of failing to address the concerns of displaced families. He alleged that nearly 50,000 people have been adversely affected due to the implementation of various projects and claimed that many have lost access to their homes, agricultural land, forests, livelihoods and traditional way of life.

Bhatnagar also raised environmental concerns over the Ken-Betwa Link Project, alleging that the project could result in the loss of around 4.6 million trees, besides affecting parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve and the Ken River ecosystem. According to him, the ecological impact would have long-term consequences for the region.

Leaders of the protest, including Divya Ahirwar, Chita and Laxmi Adivasi, alleged that none of the assurances given after the previous phase of the ‘Chita Andolan’ in April had been implemented. Instead, they claimed that several affected families faced legal action, forced evictions, electricity disconnections and demolition of schools after the earlier agitation concluded.

The protesters further alleged that false criminal cases had been registered against some participants in an attempt to discourage public opposition to the projects. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response addressing these specific claims was immediately available.

A defining feature of the renewed protest is the prominent participation of tribal women, who have taken the lead in organizing demonstrations and addressing gatherings. Many participants said they would no longer accept verbal assurances without concrete action from the government regarding rehabilitation, compensation and restoration of basic facilities.

Some protesters stated that if the government is unable to ensure justice and proper rehabilitation, they would seek permission for voluntary death, describing it as a reflection of their growing frustration over prolonged displacement and uncertainty.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is one of India's major river-linking initiatives aimed at improving irrigation and water availability across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, the project has also faced criticism from environmental groups and local communities over concerns related to displacement, rehabilitation and ecological conservation.

As the latest phase of the protest gathers momentum, the spotlight has once again shifted to the balance between large-scale infrastructure development and the rights of communities affected by such projects. Whether fresh negotiations between the administration and protesters take place in the coming days remains to be seen.