Heavy rainfall in Chitrakoot has caused the Mandakini River to breach a 23-year flood record, submerging Ramghat, temples, and washing away bridges.

  • Mandakini River reached 134.02 cm, surpassing the 2003 record of 134 cm.
  • Temples, monasteries, and shops in Ramghat are underwater.
  • A bridge between Ramghat and Hanuman Dhara has been washed away.
  • National Highway 35 (Jhansi-Mirzapur) is blocked due to flooding.

The holy town of Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh is facing a severe hydrological crisis as the Mandakini River has breached a 23-year-old flood record. Following relentless monsoon rains in the hilly terrains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the river's water level has surged past the danger mark of 126 cm, causing widespread devastation across the region.

According to District Magistrate Pulkit Garg, the river level has touched 134.02 cm, officially overtaking the previous record set in 2003 (134 cm). The inundation has severely impacted the Ramghat area, where shops, ancient temples, and monasteries are now partially submerged. In several inundated villages, including Tarauha, Gobaria, and Bahadur, residents have been forced to seek refuge on rooftops.

Read Also:Tragic Road Accident in Gwalior: 8 Migrant Workers Killed in Truck Collision

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the flooding of a major religious hub like Chitrakoot poses significant socio-economic risks. The destruction of infrastructure, such as bridges and highways, disrupts not only local movement but also the regional supply chain and the pilgrimage economy, which is vital for the state.

The breach of a two-decade-old flood record highlights the increasing intensity of monsoon patterns and the urgent need for enhanced riverbank management.

The situation turned critical when reports emerged of a bridge being washed away between Ramghat and Hanuman Dhara due to the sheer force of the current. Furthermore, the Jhansi-Mirzapur National Highway 35 has been rendered impassable as water flowed over the Mandakini bridge, leading to massive traffic congestion on both sides.

In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed intensified relief operations. Currently, specialized teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and PAC are deployed on the ground. Specifically, four NDRF, four SDRF, and two PAC teams are actively conducting rescue operations to evacuate stranded citizens using boats.

Did You Know?: The Mandakini River is central to the spiritual identity of Chitrakoot, serving as a primary site for pilgrims throughout India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the current status of the Mandakini River?
Answer: The river has crossed the danger mark, reaching 134.02 cm, breaking the record set in 2003.

Question 2: Are the highways safe for travel?
Answer: No, the Jhansi-Mirzapur National Highway 35 is currently blocked due to floodwaters.