Prayagraj/Varanasi. Due to continuous rains in the hilly areas and the flow area of Ganga-Yamuna, the risk of flood has started increasing once again in Uttar Pradesh. From Prayagraj to Varanasi, the water level of Ganga and Yamuna is increasing rapidly. In view of the rising water in the rivers, the administration has increased vigilance in the coastal and low-lying areas. In Prayagraj, the water level of Yamuna has increased by 1.32 meters during the last 24 hours, while the water level of Ganga has also increased by 32 centimeters. Due to this, water is spreading rapidly in the confluence area.
The rise in the water level of both rivers Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj has increased the concern of the administration. Due to the relatively rapid rise in the Yamuna, the water level in the Sangam and surrounding low-lying areas is continuously increasing. The stairs of the ghats and many parts of the river bank have started getting affected by water. If the water level continues to rise, the problems of people living in coastal areas may increase.
Due to rising water in the Sangam area, local people, pilgrims and those conducting activities at the ghats are being advised to remain cautious. Shopkeepers and other people working temporarily on the river banks have also been asked to keep an eye on the changing situation. The administration is continuously monitoring the water level so that if needed, people from low-lying areas can be evacuated to safe places.
Along with Prayagraj, the water level of Ganga is rising rapidly in Varanasi also. Here the water of Ganga is increasing at the rate of about seven centimeters per hour. Due to rising water level, the condition of the ghats is constantly changing. By late Sunday night the water of Ganga had reached near Shitala temple. After this, vigilance was further increased in the ghats and surrounding areas.
The effect of rising water level is also visible on Manikarnika Ghat, the famous crematorium of Varanasi. Many pyres here have been submerged in water. Due to the continuous rising of Ganga water, the arrangements related to funeral rites are also being affected. If the water level rises further, normal activities on the ghats may be further affected.
In view of the rising waters of Ganga, operation of boats has been banned in Varanasi. The aim of the administration is to reduce the possibility of any kind of accident. Operating boats can be risky amid strong currents and continuously rising water levels. In such a situation, sailors and tourists are being appealed to follow the instructions of the administration.
In Varanasi, along with Ganga, vigilance has also been increased along the banks of Varuna and Asi rivers. People living in these areas are being instructed to keep an eye on the water level and be prepared to move to safe places if necessary. Police and administration employees are reaching sensitive areas and cautioning people. Especially the families living in low-lying and coastal areas have been appealed not to take risks.
The effect of rain in the hilly areas is visible on the rivers of the plains after some time. Apart from this, due to rain in the catchment areas of Ganga and Yamuna, the amount of water in the rivers can increase rapidly. This is the reason why the administration is cautious about the trend of water level in the coming time. If the inflow of water from the upper areas continues to increase, the situation in Prayagraj and Varanasi along with other coastal areas lying on the way may also be affected.
Sangam area in Prayagraj is a major center of religious and tourist activities. Whereas in Varanasi, a large number of devotees and tourists reach many ghats including Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika every day. In such a situation, the rise in the water level of Ganga has a direct impact on the normal activities of the ghats. In view of safety, it is being advised to avoid going too close to the river and follow the warnings of the administration.
In view of the possibility of flood, the administrative staff is keeping a special watch on the low-lying areas. Police and administration employees have been instructed to remain alert in sensitive areas. People living on the river banks are also being asked to secure essential items in time and move to safe places in case the water rises rapidly.
At present, the rise in water level of Yamuna in Prayagraj by 1.32 meters within 24 hours and rise of 32 centimeters in Ganga is a cause of concern. On the other hand, due to the water level of Ganga in Varanasi rising at the speed of seven centimeters per hour, water is spreading on the ghats. If the rainy season continues in the mountains and catchment areas, the water level of Ganga-Yamuna may increase further in the coming time. In such a situation, along with the administration, the common people also need to be extra cautious in the areas situated on the river banks from Prayagraj to Varanasi.
