Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Despite decades of complaints and crores of rupees spent, 35 key locations across the state capital continue to suffer from severe waterlogging every monsoon, exposing the repeated failure of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) to act decisively.
A detailed survey conducted by the city’s traffic police across Zones 1 to 4 has highlighted the recurring problem, recommending urgent corrective measures.
The problems are not confined to the old city. In New Bhopal, major commercial and residential zones, including MP Nagar, New Market, Arera Colony, and Baghmugalia’s Extension Colony, have faced severe waterlogging.
The traffic police report attributes the persistent flooding to incomplete road construction, blocked and unswept drains, encroachments, poor drainage design, and lack of road levelling.
35 critical intersections, spots hit worst
* Zone-01 identified 16 locations, including Mansarovar Tiraha and Hotel Asian Guest House area, all plagued by faulty drainage, road depressions, and encroachments.
* Zone-02 reported 12 key spots with severe waterlogging, such as Navdayapura Road and RRL Tiraha, where broken roads, potholes, and improper road slope have created major hazards.
* Zone-03 has six spots, such as Alpana Tiraha, Bharat Talkies, Sindhi Colony, and DIG Bungalow Crossing. Alpana Tiraha, in particular, has become infamous for flooding within 30 minutes of rainfall despite Rs 1.80 crore spent over five years and another Rs 45 lakh earmarked for the current year.
* Zone-04 has only one spot which is Baba Nagar Tiraha which gets heavily waterlogged due to incomplete cementation on Shahpura Road and lack of proper drainage.
Tree-related complaints abound The monsoon has also triggered a surge in tree-related complaints. As many as 22 complaints have been registered yet. Uprooted or dangerously leaning trees in Ashoka Garden, BHEL, and Kolar have blocked roads and damaged property. Many citizens reported that complaints were closed without proper inspection, citing “no hazard found” or “tree already removed,” despite ongoing risks.
Experts warn
Experts from MANIT have warned that most affected zones lie in natural low-lying areas, where unchecked construction has blocked natural water flow, and flawed engineering has made drains ineffective.
‘Teams on alert’
Mayor Malti Rai said that relief efforts are continuing, with over 30 workers, diesel pumps, excavators, and sewage vehicles deployed at flooded sites such as Alpana Tiraha and other key areas of the capital city. BMC officials claimed that flood and disaster management teams are on alert, and steps are being taken in coordination with zonal officers and forest officials.
