Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): More than 100 colonies in Bhopal were submerged on Wednesday following two days of persistent rain, exposing the dire state of the city’s drainage infrastructure.
Over 20 posh and elevated areas, such as Eco Green City on Ayodhya Bypass and Janaki Apartment Colony in Kolar, weren’t spared. The waterlogging situation persisted for 12 hours in about nine of these colonies.
Colonies turned into temporary ponds, with water levels reaching up to two feet in several places. According to the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, the primary reason for the flooding is the absence of a proper drainage system in most of the city’s residential areas.
Surprisingly, several upscale colonies such as Arera Colony E-7, Karod, Gopal Nagar, and Kankra Abhinav Homes, also reported severe waterlogging. In some locations, water entered homes, while basements and parking areas were completely submerged.
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At Gulmohar Shivaay Complex, 10 feet of water flooded the basement, while three feet of water was reported in front of the Mriganyani showroom near Alpana Tiraha.
The municipal corporation deployed de-watering pumps from nearby fire stations, but these proved insufficient in handling the overwhelming number of complaints. Even the BMC headquarters at ISBT wasn’t spared, forcing officials to install a permanent pump to manage the recurring flooding.
While the civic body claims to have deployed teams and equipment for round-the-clock rescue and relief, the waterlogging has raised serious concerns about the city's preparedness for monsoon conditions.
In many areas, one to two feet of stagnant water continues to cause severe inconvenience to residents, as civic authorities scramble to cope with the crisis.
Passing the buck?
Nisha Panday, Chairperson of Eco Green City, criticised the lack of response and accountability. “Last year, the builder helped us with water removal, but this year, they refused, citing BMC’s responsibility. Parking lots have turned into ponds, and electric poles are now a hazard due to waterborne current,” she said.
‘Persistent rain responsible’
Mayor Malti Rai said that 24x7 monitoring and assistance have been instructed through the BMC control room to review the flood response and take action in all these colonies.
Denying that the waterlogging was due to a poor drainage system, the Mayor said that with non-stop rain for over 48 hours, low-lying areas, main roads, and localities near the city’s boundaries bore the brunt.
