A record 15 inch rains in the last 24 hours in Ujjain City has thrown normal life out of gear as water flooded hundreds of houses in over two dozen colonies. Three people including two women lost their lives in flood.
Incessant rains caused heavy flooding in river Kshipra and Gambhir. Three gates of the Gambhir reservoir had to be opened after the water level reached 2043 mcft this morning.
Over 2000 affected people have taken shelter in special camps set up by the administration. Road network to all the major cities like Indore, Dewas, Maxi, Nagda, Barnagar and Agar remained cut off for hours. The road blockade was mainly attributed to overflowing of nullahs and culverts at several places.
Even the rail traffic between Ujjain-Bhopal and Ujjain-Nagda was disrupted as rail tracks were submerged in water at many points.
Heavy rains dampen bumper soyabean crop
The current spell of heavy rains in the Western MP has dampened the prospects of bumper soyabean crop in the State, say analysts. Heavy rains in the Malwa belt, which accounts for 90 per cent of soyabean production in the State, has led to apprehension of partial damage to the crops.
National Research Centre for Soyabean (NRCS) Director G S Chouhan told Hindustan Times that 10 to 15 per cent damage to crops is expected due to the continuing incessant rains and cloudy weather. “The crops need intermittent sunshine, especially now that it is the growth period, but cloudy weather in the past one month may result in poor growth of the crop.” Chauhan warned of more crop damage if the rains do not stop in one to two days.
{{/usCountry}}National Research Centre for Soyabean (NRCS) Director G S Chouhan told Hindustan Times that 10 to 15 per cent damage to crops is expected due to the continuing incessant rains and cloudy weather. “The crops need intermittent sunshine, especially now that it is the growth period, but cloudy weather in the past one month may result in poor growth of the crop.” Chauhan warned of more crop damage if the rains do not stop in one to two days.
{{/usCountry}}Compensation demanded
Congress has demanded compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in floods. State Congress spokesperson K K Mishra said that this amount should be besides the compensation being given for damage to crops and property. Congress lambasted the State government for its failure to take adequate measures to save life and property despite the weather office’s warning of heavy rainfall.