Key Highlights:

  • Five-member inspection team formed: Headed by the Majhgawan SDM, the team will identify structures obstructing the Mandakini River's natural flow in Chitrakoot.
  • Flood levels far exceeded HFL: During floods on August 28-29, water at Arogyadham reached 145.76 metres against the designated High Flood Level of 139.60 metres.
  • Hanumandhara Bridge washed away: The flooding caused significant infrastructure damage, including the loss of the bridge.
  • Inspection follows SC and NGT guidelines: The exercise will assess illegal plotting, weak structures and new constructions along the riverbanks.
  • Minister had flagged encroachments: Kailash Vijayvargiya had earlier said encroachments obstructing the river's flow would be removed.

Satna: The Satna district administration in Madhya Pradesh has constituted a five-member team to inspect constructions and encroachments along the banks of the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot following the flooding of the river last week.

The team, headed by the Majhgawan Sub-Divisional Magistrate, will identify structures that may be obstructing the natural flow of the river and also assess the High Flood Level (HFL) of the Mandakini, Collector Satish Kumar S. said.

The inspection will be carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), he said in a statement.

Flood Severity: Water Level Exceeded HFL By Over 6 Metres

During the floods on the night of August 28-29, the water level of the Mandakini River at Arogyadham reached 145.76 metres, against the designated HFL of 139.60 metres. The Hanumandhara Bridge was also washed away in the flooding.

Understanding High Flood Level (HFL): The High Flood Level is the highest water level a river is officially expected to reach, based on historical data, used by authorities to plan riverside construction and flood-preparedness measures. When actual flood levels exceed the HFL by as much as 6 metres, as happened here, it signals either an extraordinarily severe flood event or that obstructions along the riverbank — like unauthorised construction — may be worsening the river's natural flow and pushing water levels higher than they otherwise would be.

"The team will identify constructions and other infrastructure obstructing the natural flow of the river. Action will be taken against violations as per rules," he said.

Who Is On The Inspection Team

The team comprises the Chief Municipal Officer, a Naib Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Officers of the Public Works Department and Water Resources Department, and a Municipal Council sub-engineer.

What The Inspection Will Cover

Illegal plotting and government and private constructions along the riverbanks will be examined during the inspection.

The administration will also identify old and structurally weak buildings and check whether they comply with the prescribed norms. New constructions and reconstructed buildings in the riverbank areas will also be scrutinised from the safety point of view, according to the official statement.

"The exercise is aimed at minimising flood-related damage and ensuring public safety during any future rise in the river's water level," the Collector said.

Background: Minister Had Flagged Encroachments Earlier

The move comes days after Urban Development and Housing Minister and district in-charge minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said government and private encroachments obstructing the Mandakini's flow would be removed.

The inspection is expected to help the administration identify violations and determine further action to prevent obstruction of the river's flow.