Bhopal/Khandwa: In an unexpected turn of events, the weather in Madhya Pradesh, including its capital Bhopal, underwent a dramatic shift on the evening of April 9th. Residents experienced a sudden onslaught of hail and stormy conditions, leading to widespread rainfall that soaked the district and brought a significant drop in temperature. This abrupt change provided a respite from the prevailing heatwave, cooling down the sweltering region.
The storm’s impact was not limited to a mere change in weather; it also caused substantial damage to the world’s largest floating solar power plant, currently under construction in the backwaters of the Omkareshwar Dam. The severity of the storm was such that numerous solar panels were dislodged, raising concerns about potential losses for the onsite workers.
This solar power plant, a significant renewable energy project, had recently achieved a milestone with the activation of a 300 MW grid in Saktapur. The Chhaigaonmakhan 220 KV line, which was energized to support this initiative, is part of the first phase of development. Companies like AMP, NHDC, and SJVN Green Energy are collectively working to establish plants with capacities of 100 MW, 88 MW, and 90 MW respectively. The expectation was that the plant would commence supplying 100 MW of electricity by the end of April, but this timeline may now be in jeopardy due to the storm damage.
Agricultural Concerns in Umaria-Khargone
The weather took a similar turn in Umaria, where unseasonal cloudiness led to sporadic drizzles and heavy rainfall across the district. This has heightened anxiety among farmers, as the inclement weather threatens to damage ripe wheat crops. Additionally, other agricultural produce like pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables are at risk. In Khargone, the sudden weather shift brought heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and storms, with hail reported in Kotha Khurd village. The subsequent coolness post-rainfall was a welcome relief from the previous humidity and heat.
Wildlife Disturbance in Kanha National Park
In Mandla, two consecutive days of rainfall, including hail, have affected the Kanha National Park. The downpour has caused the park’s river drains to overflow, creating chaos among the wildlife. Tigers and other animals were observed scrambling for shelter amidst the storm. This unusual event was captured by tourists, who witnessed the impact of the rain on the park’s inhabitants firsthand.
The full extent of the damage to the solar power plant and the agricultural sector will be assessed in the coming days. Meanwhile, the state grapples with the aftermath of these unseasonal weather patterns, which have disrupted both human activities and natural habitats.
