Prayagraj, Aug 23: Rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have heightened concerns among residents of low-lying areas in Prayagraj, with students, villagers and local authorities stepping up preparations amid continuous rainfall.
Areas including Salori, Baghada, Chhota Baghada, Bada Baghada, Teliarganj, Rajapur, Daraganj and Rasulabad are being closely monitored as residents keep a watch on the river levels.
A large number of students living in rented accommodation in these areas are particularly worried about water entering their rooms and damaging their belongings. Many have started shifting essential items to safer and elevated places in anticipation of possible flooding.
“The rising water levels have increased anxiety among residents living in low-lying areas,” locals said, adding that evacuation could become necessary if the water level rises rapidly.
The administration has intensified monitoring of vulnerable areas and riverbanks and begun preparations for setting up relief camps. Officials are also alerting residents and advising them to move to safer locations if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, floodwaters have started advancing towards villages in the floodplain areas of the Ganga and Yamuna. In some places, roads have been submerged, disrupting movement, while water has reached agricultural fields, raising concerns over damage to standing crops.
“If the water level continues to rise, the standing crops could be destroyed,” villagers said.
Despite the rising water levels, the Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj remain below the danger mark. The Yamuna level at Naini, in fact, has fallen by 6 cm over the past 24 hours.
Officials, however, remain on high alert given the continuous rainfall and influx of water into low-lying areas.
People living close to the rivers have been urged to closely monitor water levels and seek administrative assistance in case of an emergency.
“The situation is currently normal, but the continuously rising water level has increased concerns among villagers,” residents said.
