Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for 21 districts, including Jabalpur, Shahdol and Sagar. Several parts of the state could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain over the next 24 hours as a strong weather system remains active over eastern Madhya Pradesh.

According to the IMD Bhopal, the system is expected to have its strongest impact over the eastern parts of the state. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the next four days, particularly across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions.

Heavy Rain Alert

Three districts — Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur and Umaria — are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Heavy rain has also been forecast for Jabalpur, Sagar, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Panna, Tikamgarh, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Datia, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Satna, Maihar, Damoh and Niwari, may also receive rain ranging from light to intense spells.

Strong System Over East MP

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Naik said a low-pressure area that developed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. Its impact is expected to remain strongest over eastern Madhya Pradesh, resulting in heavy rainfall across several districts.

The eastern divisions have already experienced uneven rainfall during the monsoon season. Despite recent spells of intense rain, several districts continue to record below-normal rainfall.

Waterlogging and Overflow

Heavy rain has already created problems in parts of the state.

In Khargone's Gogawan area, continuous rainfall caused the Satak reservoir to overflow. The reservoir has a capacity of around 18.38 million cubic metres and overflowed after two years.

In Satna, intermittent rain affected rural areas, particularly the low-lying and hilly regions. Water from the hills has increased the flow of the waterfall near Dharkundi Ashram, with water entering parts of the premises.

Waterlogging was also reported at the Kotor Nagar Parishad office and nearby shops. Water entered a ward of the community health centre, following which pregnant women were referred to the district hospital.

On the Birsinghpur-Semariya road, the Mau river was reported to be flowing over the bridge, raising concerns for commuters.

Rainfall Deficit Persists

According to the IMD, 12 districts have so far recorded rainfall above their average levels, including Bhopal, Guna, Sehore, Rajgarh, Gwalior, Anuppur, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone.

However, 43 districts continue to record deficient rainfall.

Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded rainfall deficits of up to 19 per cent. Several districts in eastern MP, including Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria, have recorded deficits ranging from 2 to 54 per cent.

Parts of western Madhya Pradesh have also received less rainfall than normal.

Monsoon Pattern This Season

The state recorded 14 per cent below-normal rainfall in June. Rainfall improved during the early part of July, but the monsoon subsequently entered two periods of weaker activity.

A strong weather system became active again towards the end of the period, bringing widespread rain. While July's rainfall quota was eventually met, the deficit accumulated during June has not been completely recovered.

Madhya Pradesh receives around 37.3 inches of normal annual rainfall, although the average varies significantly between districts.

Historic August Rainfall Records

August is traditionally an important rainfall month for several major cities in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, its highest monthly August total. The city received nearly 12 inches in 24 hours on August 14 that year.

Indore recorded around 28 inches of rainfall in August 1944, while its highest 24-hour August rainfall was around 10.5 inches on August 22, 2020.

Gwalior recorded around 8.5 inches in 24 hours on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur recorded around 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923. On August 20 that year, the city received nearly 13 inches of rain within 24 hours.

Ujjain recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, including approximately 12 inches in 24 hours.

With the strong weather system currently active, authorities and residents in vulnerable districts are likely to remain watchful over the next several days, particularly in areas prone to flooding, waterlogging and river overflow.

Monsoon activity is expected to intensify across Madhya Pradesh on Friday, with the Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions likely to witness heavy rainfall. The weather system over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened and is expected to keep the monsoon trough active over the state.

According to the weather department, 12 districts could receive more than 4 inches of rain in the next 24 hours. These include Sagar, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Heavy Rain in Eastern MP

The eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh are expected to see the strongest rainfall activity.

Apart from the 12 districts under the heavier alert, several other parts of the state may receive moderate to light rain, with isolated spells of intense showers.

Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Guna, Shivpuri, Datia, Ashoknagar, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Pandhurna, Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Umaria, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari may also receive rainfall.

Depression Drives Monsoon Activity

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on the morning of August 12 and intensified into a depression on August 13.

The system is moving towards the northwest, in the direction of West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Its influence is expected to keep the monsoon trough active, resulting in another spell of rain across Madhya Pradesh over the next few days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible in parts of eastern Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall on Thursday also brought relief from humid conditions in several areas after a prolonged break in monsoon activity.

MP Records 20.7 Inches Rain

Madhya Pradesh has received around 524.8 mm (20.7 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season, according to the state weather centre.

The figure is around 2.8 inches below the normal rainfall of 597 mm (23.5 inches) for the period, representing an overall rainfall deficit of about 12 per cent.

The eastern part of the state has received around 20 per cent less rainfall, while the western region is around 5 per cent below its average.

The Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded a rainfall deficit of up to around 19 per cent.

12 Districts Above Normal

Despite the overall deficit, some districts have received more rainfall than their respective averages.

These include Bhopal, Guna, Sehore, Rajgarh, Gwalior, Anuppur, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone.

The uneven distribution of rainfall remains a feature of this year's monsoon, with some districts reporting substantial deficits while others have received above-normal precipitation.

What to Expect in Bhopal, Indore

Bhopal and Indore are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavier showers possible.

The renewed monsoon activity could bring temporary relief from humidity, while temperatures are expected to remain relatively moderate because of cloud cover and rainfall.

Historical Rainfall Records

Madhya Pradesh's major cities have recorded some exceptionally heavy August rainfall in the past.

Bhopal: The city's highest August rainfall was recorded in 2006, when around 35 inches fell during the month. The highest 24-hour rainfall was nearly 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Indore: August rainfall reached around 28 inches in 1944. The city's highest 24-hour August rainfall was around 10.5 inches on August 22, 2020.

Gwalior: The city recorded around 8.5 inches of rain within 24 hours on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur: The city recorded around 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923. The month also saw an extremely heavy 24-hour spell of around 13 inches.

Ujjain: Around 35 inches of rainfall was recorded in August 2006, its highest monthly August total. The city also recorded around 12 inches in 24 hours during the same month.

Rain Activity Likely to Continue

With the depression moving towards central India and the monsoon trough remaining active, rainfall activity is expected to continue across Madhya Pradesh over the coming days.

The eastern districts are likely to remain the main focus of heavy rainfall, while other parts of the state could see intermittent showers. Residents in areas under the heavier rainfall alert have been advised to remain cautious, particularly near waterlogged areas and during periods of intense rain.

Students from GRMC went into restricted area; search resumed at dawn

 Rescue teams recovered the body of one MBBS student late Saturday night and continued searching on Sunday for his friend after both reportedly drowned in the Tiaghara (Tighra) Dam on the outskirts of Gwalior. Initial reports indicate the two slipped into a deep, muddy section of the reservoir while visiting a restricted, rocky stretch where public access is prohibited.

What happened
According to police and rescue officials, the incident occurred around 7pm on Saturday in the “kacchi paar” area roughly 3 km from the boat club. Eight second‑year students from Gajraraja Medical College (GRMC) had gone for a picnic — four male and four female classmates — and were standing near the water when 21‑year‑old Gopal Agrawal (Bina, Sagar) and Ayush Srivastava (Muzaffarpur, Bihar) moved closer and stepped into the water. Witnesses said both students suddenly lost their footing and sank in an area estimated to be 40–50 feet deep.

Recovery and ongoing search
Local police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and trained divers were called after other students found the victims’ shoes and clothes neatly placed on the rocky bank and could not locate them. Gopal’s body was recovered late Saturday night, officials said. Search operations for Ayush resumed before dawn on Sunday and were still under way at the time of filing.

“Teams worked through the night using boats and high‑power lights,” a senior police official at the scene told reporters. “Local divers and SDRF personnel are conducting grid searches, but the dam’s depth, mud and submerged boulders are making the operation difficult.” Authorities said Ayush’s search had been active since 6am on Sunday.

Official responses
Circle Superintendent of Police (CSP) Krishanpal Singh said families of both students had been informed and reached Gwalior. “We reached the site immediately after the information came in and are coordinating with SDRF and local diving teams,” he said. The Tighra Dam’s flow and the restricted status of the ‘kacchi paar’ area complicate both access and visibility, Singh added.

At Gajraraja Medical College, Dean Dr RKS Dhakad described the incident as a “very sad loss” for the institution. “They had gone out for a picnic. This is a huge blow for the college and for the families,” he said, declining to give further comment while relatives were en route.

Family reactions
Relatives of the deceased reached Gwalior in the early hours of Sunday. Gopal’s brother Piyush and other family members arrived after receiving the message late Saturday night. A family member, Pradeep Agrawal, said Gopal was the youngest of five siblings and that his elder brother had been supporting his medical education. “He cleared NEET on his first attempt in 2024 and was very bright. He used to say he would stand shoulder to shoulder with his brother,” Pradeep said, adding that the family was in shock.

Ayush’s family has departed Muzaffarpur for Gwalior and were expected to arrive by Sunday afternoon, officials confirmed.

Why rescue is tough
Rescue personnel warned that submerged silt and irregular rocky contours under the dam make dive operations hazardous and time‑consuming. “The depth varies sharply; divers can’t see well because of mud and suspended particles. We are using sonar and manual grid searches where possible,” an SDRF team leader said.

Public safety and next steps
Tighra Dam officials reiterated that the kacchi paar area is off‑limits to visitors and urged people to avoid entering restricted zones. The local police said they would continue search operations until all possibilities were exhausted and would examine whether safety signage or enforcement around the dam needs strengthening.

Investigating officers said they will record statements from the surviving students and witnesses, and submit a preliminary report to the district authorities. Meanwhile, the college has offered counselling support to classmates and staff.

In a Test of Public Trust, Devri Voters Back Sitting Chairperson Neha Alkesh Jain

In a decisive verdict that underscores the complexities of local governance, the chairperson of Devri Municipal Council in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, Neha Alkesh Jain, has successfully retained her position after surviving a high-stakes recall referendum. The vote, a direct test of her administration's public standing, concluded with Jain continuing in her role, highlighting voter sentiment in the region.

The State Election Commission, through Secretary Deepak Singh, announced the results on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The numbers told a clear story: of the 13,367 votes cast in the January 19 referendum, a majority of 7,282 voted against recalling Jain, while 6,085 voted in favor of her removal. This margin means Jain will continue to serve as the council's chairperson, a significant political outcome for the local leader.

The Return of the Recall Clause: A 2025 Legal Shift

This referendum was not just a local event but a bellwether for a revived state policy. The legal provision to recall a Mayor or Municipal Council Chairperson was first introduced in Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Between its inception and its eventual lapse in 2018, 41 such recall votes were conducted. Of those, 21 chairpersons retained their seats, while 20 were removed—a near-even split showcasing the mechanism's potency.

The clause was reintroduced through a legislative amendment in 2025, making the Devri vote the first test case under this renewed framework. “The Devri referendum is being closely watched,” explains a Bhopal-based political analyst we spoke to. “It sets a precedent for how the revived recall provision will function. A successful retention by the incumbent signals that the threshold for removal remains substantial and that voters are weighing continuity against discontent.”

What This Means for Local Governance and Leadership

The result in Devri offers several key takeaways. Firstly, it demonstrates a level of resilience in Jain’s local support base. Surviving a recall requires mobilizing one's constituents actively, suggesting a degree of approval for her tenure's work. Secondly, it reaffirms the recall process as a robust, if dramatic, tool of direct democracy at the grassroots level, allowing citizens to mid-term course-correct their leadership.For other municipal chairpersons across Madhya Pradesh, the Devri outcome may offer a sigh of relief, indicating that recall is a challenging hurdle for petitioners to clear. However, it also serves as a stark reminder that their performance is under constant public scrutiny, with a formal mechanism now back in place to challenge it.

Conclusion: A Verdict for Stability, For Now

The dust has settled in Devri with a verdict for stability. Neha Alkesh Jain’s continuation as chairperson provides her administration with a renewed, voter-validated mandate. However, the very fact that the recall was triggered points to existing divisions and dissent. The eyes of Madhya Pradesh's local bodies will now be on how Jain governs post-referendum—whether she views this as an endorsement of all past actions or as a second chance to address the grievances that led to the recall petition in the first place. For voters, the power to hold leaders directly accountable is once again a live feature of their democratic toolkit.