Ancient temple surfaces as Bargi Dam water recedes:Rising reservoir levels due to monsoon rains will submerge the structures once again

The water level in Bargi Dam (Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Sagar) has started rising following heavy rainfall in Mandla and Dindori districts, increasing inflows into the reservoir. Earlier this season, the dam’s water level had dropped to its lowest point in nearly a decade, exposing several submerged structures, including an ancient temple, a 40-year-old motorboat and a historic water tank. With the reservoir filling up again, these remains are expected to disappear beneath the water once more. Ancient temple and decades-old boat drew visitors The unusually low water level had created a unique attraction for visitors, revealing relics normally hidden beneath the reservoir. Among the most notable discoveries was a 40-year-old iron motorboat bearing the inscription “Suma Raps Project Jabalpur.” The boat was spotted near Bargi Nagar in the Zero Tanki area of Bargi. A centuries-old temple also resurfaced near Lakhanpur village in the Barbati area. According to local residents, the temple becomes visible whenever the reservoir level falls significantly. Rising water levels expected to submerge remains again Although the exposed structures attracted tourists, access has become difficult due to waterlogging and muddy conditions caused by the ongoing monsoon. Bargi Dam engineer Rajesh Singh Gaur said the reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 422.76 metres (3,920 million cubic metres). This season, the water level had fallen to a record 407.40 metres, compared with 409.10 metres during the same period last year. As of July 7, the reservoir level had risen to 409.25 metres, marking an increase of nearly 2 metres. The dam is now 15.85% full, and continued rainfall is expected to raise the water level further, submerging the recently exposed structures once again.