GANGA WATER ENTERS LOW LYING AREAS

GANGA WATER ENTERS LOW LYING AREAS

21-AUG-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------In the Barhara block of Bhojpur district, the water level of the Ganga River has reached very close to the danger mark. It is predicted that the water level will cross the danger mark by midnight. A rise of four centimeters per hour has been recorded throughout the day. Based on this trend, the river is expected to flow above the danger mark of 53.08 meters by Friday morning.

The water level stood at 52.38 meters at 6:00 AM and rose to 52.76 meters by 6:00 PM, marking an increase of 48 centimeters over 12 hours. Over the past six days, the water level has risen by 2.41 meters. Consequently, water has begun to spread into the low-lying areas of Shahpur and Barhara blocks. The continuous rise in water levels has heightened the risk of potential flooding and soil erosion in the district, leaving villagers in the affected areas apprehensive.

Rapid water level rise continues due to heavy rainfall in the Ganga's upper catchment areas. As a result, the river's water level in the district has been rising swiftly over the last six days at a rate of four centimeters per hour. The district administration has been placed on alert in response to the situation. The Flood Control Division, Ara, has been ordered to conduct regular monitoring and submit daily reports on water levels.

Preparations are underway to tackle potential flood and erosion risks in the district, and alerts have been issued to the sub-divisional and block administrations. The Executive Engineer of the Flood Control Division, Ara, has been directed to ensure regular monitoring. Currently, the water level of the Ganges River is rising rapidly in Allahabad and Varanasi. This has caused anxiety among residents of the district's flood-prone areas regarding a potential flood, while the district administration remains vigilant.

Reports indicate a rapid rise in the Ganges' water level in Allahabad and Varanasi (UP). Over the past five days, water levels in both the Ganges and the Son rivers have been increasing, raising the likelihood of flooding. To handle adverse conditions during the flood, the Flood Control Division, Ara, has stockpiled 70,000 sand-filled EC bags at various vulnerable locations in the Barhara area.

These supplies have been securely stored at riverside areas and vulnerable sites, including Acharaj Rai ka Tola, Mani Rai ka Tola, Bakhorapur, Neknam Tola, Maujampur, Majhauli, and Mahuli. Water level data (in meters): 15 August – 50.35; 16 August – 50.70; 17 August – 50.90; 18 August – 51.52; 19 August – 51.94; 20 August – 52.38. Water levels: Barhara (current: 52.76m, danger mark: 53.08m); Son River at Koilwar (current: 58.88m, danger mark: 55.57m). The water level of the Ganga River continues to rise steadily.

By 6 PM on Thursday, the water level at Barhara was recorded at 52.76 meters. In view of the potential flood risk, a team of engineers is continuously inspecting various areas of the Barhara block. Departmental officials, engineers, and staff have been deployed to monitor the embankments. Currently, there is no immediate threat of flooding in the district, and all embankments remain secure. — Abhishek Kumar, Executive Engineer, Flood Control Division, Ara.