Telangana issues first flood warning at Bhadrachalam.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving situation as heavy rains continue to lash parts of Telangana. With water levels rising steadily, officials have issued alerts and are paying special attention to vulnerable regions like Bhadrachalam and surrounding low-lying areas. People residing in these flood-prone zones have been urged to remain cautious and prepared for any emergency. Evacuation measures and relief operations are being kept ready, while citizens are advised to stay indoors, follow official instructions, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Hyderabad: Heavy monsoon rains in the upper catchment areas of the Godavari basin have pushed the river to alarming levels, triggering concern in Bhadrachalam and nearby towns.
As of 7 a.m. today, the Godavari was recorded at 42.6 feet, already breaching danger levels in some parts, and estimates suggest the flow may continue to increase over the coming hours. Inflows from upstream reservoirs and continuous rainfall in adjoining regions have intensified the situation. Floodwaters have now reached the Kalyanakatta ghat, a sacred bathing point in Bhadrachalam, forcing devotees and locals to stay away from the riverbank.
Local authorities and disaster management teams are keeping a strict vigil. Announcements are being made across villages situated in vulnerable, low-lying zones, urging people to remain on alert and prepare for potential evacuation if required. Residents are being advised not to venture close to the swelling river and to cooperate with officials in case relief and rehabilitation measures are initiated.
Pilgrimage Disrupted at Triveni SangamamThe impact of the rains is not limited to Bhadrachalam. In Kaleshwaram, one of Telangana’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, the surge in water has hit the Triveni Sangamam, the sacred confluence of the Godavari, Pranahita, and Saraswati rivers. Here, the water level has touched 12.41 meters, crossing the first warning mark, and the river continues to flow with strong force.
At the pilgrimage site, the steps of the Jnana Saraswati and regular Pushkar ghats have been submerged, disrupting access for devotees who traditionally gather for rituals and holy baths. Authorities have restricted movement near the ghats and placed barricades to ensure people do not risk their safety by getting too close to the swirling waters. Devotees arriving from neighboring districts were seen returning home disappointed, as priests and temple officials have temporarily suspended bathing rituals for safety.
Voices from the GroundFarmers in the region are anxious as the rising waters threaten standing crops in the riverbed and adjoining fields. Lakshmi, a small farmer from a nearby village, shared her concern: “We depend on the Godavari, but when it floods, it takes away everything—our crops, our huts, and our peace of mind. We are praying the rains ease soon.”
Boatmen, too, have been advised to suspend ferry services across smaller stretches of the river. Local shopkeepers near the ghats reported a dip in visitors as most families are choosing to stay indoors.
Government’s ResponseThe district administration has assured people that safety measures are in place. Officials are conducting hourly reviews, and water level updates are being relayed through radio, mobile alerts, and local volunteers.
District Collectorate officials emphasized that this is only the first warning stage, and while there is no immediate cause for panic, residents must remain cautious. Authorities have also appealed to citizens not to spread rumors or false information, as it can create unnecessary fear.
The Bigger PictureFlooding along the Godavari is not new, but each season brings its own challenges. The river, often referred to as the Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the South), nourishes millions across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Yet, with climate shifts causing erratic rainfall, the risk of sudden floods has grown.
For now, people in Bhadrachalam and Kaleshwaram are living on edge, watching the river they revere turn into a force of destruction. As officials continue to monitor the flow, all eyes remain on the skies—and on the hope that rains relent before the situation worsens.