In Prayagraj, the water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers are receding, providing relief to the district administration and residents living in low-lying areas. This change has alleviated immediate concerns regarding flooding. However, local residents caution that true normalcy will only be restored once the monsoon season concludes.
Ashok, another resident, said, “Every year, floods put residents of low-lying areas in a catch-22 situation. Last year, floods affected thousands of people in more than 22 localities, forcing over 600 families to move to relief camps. Both rivers are currently flowing about two metres below the danger mark of 84.734 metres. This year, rising river levels affected two low-lying urban localities and 24 villages in Sangam city. At present, over 50 families have shifted to safer locations. By 8 am on Sunday, the water level of the Ganga was recorded at 82.72 metres at Phaphamau and 81.59 metres at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna stood at 82.06 metres at Naini, according to official figures. By noon, the Ganga’s level had fallen to 82.64 metres at Phaphamau and 81.51 metres at Chhatnag. The Yamuna was recorded at 81.96 metres at Naini. Officials said that over the past 24 hours, the water levels of the Yamuna and Ganga had receded by 42 cm and 30 cm, respectively.
Because the water level remained below the danger mark, though floodwaters reached our doorstep, this year, however, we did not shift. Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news.
Residents of low-lying areas said they face uncertainty whenever the rivers swell during the monsoon. Ajay Kumar of Chota Baghara told TOI: “I packed my belongings twice after seeing the Ganga’s water level rise and shifted valuable household items to safer places. A group of residents staying at a flood relief camp said, “The receding water level is a positive sign, but it will take time before life returns to normal. Guddi, a resident of Rajapur, said, “We have returned home as the situation has stabilised. Officials of the flood control department said that while the Yamuna at Naini and the Ganga at Chhatnag were receding rapidly, the Ganga at Phaphamau was receding at a slower pace.
the repeated rise and fall in water levels kept many on edge Although the rivers did not cross the danger mark this year. However, every few days, we would hear that the water was receding. uncertainty has affected us all While falling water levels are always welcome news for those living in low-lying areas. People often pack their belongings several times during the monsoon and move to relief camps. Things will finally be settled once the monsoon is over. Download the TOI App.
The water levels of both rivers continued to recede at all three monitoring points, Phaphamau, Chhatnag and Naini, on Saturday.