Heavy Rain Disrupts Life Across Western Up

Heavy rain lashed parts of Western Uttar Pradesh on Monday and Tuesday, bringing relief from the heat but also triggering widespread waterlogging in Meerut and a sharp rise in water levels in seasonal rivers across Saharanpur’s Ghaad region.

Rising river levels in Saharanpur flooded shops near the Maa Shakumbhari Devi Siddhapeeth, damaged a bridge and raised fears of floodwaters entering villages and residential areas.

In Meerut, the weather changed abruptly on Tuesday morning as dense clouds covered the city from early morning before intense rainfall began at around 8:30 a.m. Within a short period, rainwater accumulated on several major roads and connecting streets, disrupting traffic and making movement difficult for commuters.

The waterlogging also raised fresh questions over the Meerut Municipal Corporation’s monsoon preparedness. Residents said regular and effective cleaning of drains before the monsoon, along with improvements to the drainage network, could significantly reduce recurring waterlogging.

The situation was more serious in Saharanpur’s Ghaad region, where continuous heavy rain in the Shivalik hills and adjoining plains triggered a sharp rise in water levels in seasonal rivers.

The rising water level in the river near the Maa Shakumbhari Devi Siddhapeeth flooded several shops located along the riverbank.

Shops selling prasad, toys and other items were among those affected. As the water level rose, shopkeepers began shifting their goods to safer locations. However, water entered several shops, causing damage to goods.

Local residents said they had not witnessed such a high volume of water in the Shakumbhari River. With rainfall continuing in the Shivalik hills, the river level has continued to rise, raising concerns over further flooding.

The situation also deteriorated in Jatowala village under the Mirzapur police station area, where the Gangaroh River rose rapidly near the under-construction Sports College. Within a short period, river water began flowing over the road, disrupting movement in the area. As garbage became lodged in pipes installed for water discharge, the obstruction affected drainage of water, causing the river to spill onto surrounding areas. The strong current also damaged the bridge.

Floodwaters reached Asgarpur and Mahmoodpur, while agricultural fields as well as mango and litchi orchards in the surrounding areas got submerged. Water also entered the premises of the under-construction Sports College.

Villagers feared that continued swelling of the river could eventually push floodwaters into residential areas and villages.

Several seasonal rivers in the Mirzapur area, including those around Shahpur Gada, Padli and Naugaon, were also in spate following the heavy rainfall.

The rising waters reached areas around the Saharanpur-Vikasnagar Highway, affecting traffic movement. Waterlogging was also reported in several low-lying areas.

Residents said seasonal floodwaters had reached villages in the region last year as well. However, the rapid rise in river levels this year has intensified concerns, particularly among people living close to river channels and in low-lying areas.

Rain also began in Saharanpur’s urban areas at around 5:16 am on Monday. If the rainfall continues and water levels in the seasonal rivers rise further, several more villages and low-lying areas could face flooding. The situation could affect road connectivity, agricultural fields, orchards and local movement across the region.

The contrasting impact of the rain- temporary relief from heat in Meerut but flooding and rising river levels in Saharanpur — has once again underscored the challenges posed by intense monsoon spells across Western Uttar Pradesh.