Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The first rain of the season has once again exposed the Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) inadequate monsoon preparedness.
Several low-lying areas in the capital city were flooded on Sunday as rainwater and sewage overflowed onto roads, disrupting daily life and raising serious concerns about the city’s drainage system.
According to the BMC officials, one of the first complaints came from Ward 53, where waterhad filled the road near the Krishna Complex in Shankaracharya Nagar. Soon after, reports of waterlogging and sewage overflow in from various parts of the old city, including Bhopal Talkies, Chhola, Nadra Bus Stand, Alpana Tiraha, Hamidia Road, and Navbahar Sabzi Mandi. Residents in these areas lodged complaints with the municipal corporation’s control room.
Responding to the complaints, the Area Health Officer (AHO) was dispatched to the affected locations. Officials claimed the issues were minor and assured prompt cleaning. However, locals fear the situation could worsen during heavier rains, as many of these areas are prone to severe waterlogging.
The core of the problem lies in the incomplete cleaning of around 120 city drains. In some places, even after cleaning, debris was left behind and found its way back into the drains, further clogging the system. This led to sewage water spilling onto the roads during Sunday’s downpour.
Monsoon control mechanism activated
The BMC has activated its monsoon control mechanism from June 15. BMC Commissioner Harendra Narayan has directed staff to remain alert and deployed 24/7 throughout the rainy season. The main emergency control room has been set up at the Fire Brigade Headquarters in the Traffic Park. Residents can report waterlogging or tree falls at these numbers: 0755-2542222, 2540220, and 2701401. Fire Officer Saurabh Patel is in charge of this control room and can also be contacted at 8103761342.
Second control room
Additionally, another control room will function from Mata Mandir Central Workshop under thesupervision of Deputy Commissioner ChanchaleshGirhare. Zone-level control rooms have also been activated, with zonal officers instructed to mobilise their teams for immediate response.
