Rising Water Levels In Ganga And Yamuna Prompt Flooding In Prayagraj: Relief Camps Established As Precaution

The water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers continue to rise and have begun to encroach on low-lying areas. Although the rivers are still a safe distance from reaching critical levels, their rising waters have already started to affect the neighborhoods of Baghada, Salori, and Rajapur.

On Wednesday, the water levels of both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers continued to rise in Sangam city, affecting low-lying areas in Prayagraj. Flooding has already impacted neighborhoods including Ganga Nagar, Newada, Draupadi Ghat, Chota Baghada, and nearby areas, prompting residents to consider moving to safer locations if the rivers’ rising trend persists.

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Officials from the flood control department reported that the increase in water levels is due to additional water being released from upstream dams. The Ganga was rising at a rate of 6 cm every two hours at Phaphamau and 10 cm at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna was rising at 12 cm every two hours as of Wednesday evening.

By noon, water levels at the recording sites were as follows: the Ganga at Phaphamau was at 82.81 meters, 81.10 meters at Chhatnag, and the Yamuna was at 82.66 meters at Naini. All levels were still over two meters below the danger mark of 84.73 meters. By 4 pm, the Ganga had risen by approximately 18 cm at Phaphamau and 10 cm at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna increased by 12 cm, reaching 82.87 meters at Naini. By 6 pm, the water levels were 83.03 meters at Phaphamau, 82.43 meters at Chhatnag, and 83 meters at Naini, with both rivers continuing to rise.

In response, the district administration has set up 16 relief camps in urban areas under Sadar tehsil and eight in rural areas, including two each in Soraon and Karachhana tehsils and four in Phulpur tehsil. District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Khatri has appointed magistrates and zonal officials to manage these camps and oversee rescue and relief operations.

All 99 flood outposts have been put on alert, and relief camps, which can accommodate between 200 and 500 people, are being maintained for cleanliness and readiness. The relief camps are located at various schools and colleges, including Annie Besant School, Mehboob Ali Inter College, YMCA College, and DAV Inter College.

ADM (Finance and Revenue) and district head for natural disaster affairs Jagdamba Singh assured that accommodations and arrangements have been made for those displaced. Flood control officials are closely monitoring the situation through water monitoring committees and interacting with residents in low-lying areas. However, many locals are concerned about the rising water levels and are preparing to relocate to relief camps or seek shelter with relatives on higher ground. Residents anticipate that the fluctuating water levels will continue to affect their lives until September.

(Includes inputs from online sources)

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