MP: Temples submerged as Shipra River water level rises amid heavy rain
Ujjain, July 6
The water level of the Shipra River continued to rise in Ujjain on Monday following heavy rainfall in the city and surrounding areas over the past three to four days, leading to the submergence of several temples along the banks at Ram Ghat.
Officials said nearly 7 to 8 feet of water had accumulated on the bridge connecting Ram Ghat and Datt Akhada, disrupting movement in the area.
Although rainfall had stopped in Ujjain on Sunday, heavy to extreme showers continued in nearby areas, resulting in an increase in the river's water level. Several temples located along Ram Ghat have been inundated, and authorities warned that more temples could be submerged if the water level continues to rise.
In view of the situation, the police administration has appealed to devotees, especially those visiting from outside the city, to avoid entering deep waters as the river continues to swell.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, and further updates are awaited.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds, for both East and West Madhya Pradesh.
Earlier on Tuesday, a 26-year-old labourer was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded culvert on a motorcycle following heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, and a search operation is underway to trace him, officials said on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Ahirkhedi culvert under Bhanwarkuan police station limits when two persons, Mahesh Chauhan and Manish Chauhan, who work as labourers, were returning home from work.
Both were riding separate motorcycles and while crossing the culvert, there was a sudden rise in the water level due to the strong flow in a drain. Manish managed to swim to safety after being swept away, but Mahesh went missing.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So sad to see these beautiful temples submerged. I visited Ujjain last year and was amazed by the spiritual atmosphere at Shipra River. But it's monsoon in India - heavy rains are a given. The real issue is how ill-prepared we always are. At least the police are warning people not to go into deep waters. That labourer who got swept away in Indore shows how dangerous it can be.
Mahadev ki nagri mein aisa haal! 😔 The Shipra River is sacred, but the lack of proper flood management is concerning. 7-8 feet of water on the bridge means even essential services could be disrupted. Hope the local administration is ready with relief camps and emergency supplies. Also, prayers for Mahesh Chauhan - hope he's found safe.
This is what happens when we ignore climate change. Monsoon patterns have become so unpredictable - heavy rain for days, then nothing. The authorities should have a proper early warning system and desilt the river regularly. Those temples have stood for centuries, but they're not immune to human negligence.
I'm from the US but I've been following monsoon news in India. It's heartbreaking to see cultural landmarks like these temples flooded. But it's also a reminder that we need to take climate adaptation seriously everywhere. Hope the people of Ujjain stay safe, and those searching for the missing labourer find him soon.
It's not just the temples - people's livelihoods are at stake. The bridge disruption will affect daily commuters, and the labourer who died was just
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