SWIRLING GANGA RAISES CONCERN

SWIRLING GANGA RAISES CONCERN

22-AUG-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------------The continuous rise in the water level of the Ganges River in the district has heightened concerns among residents of the Diyara region in Shahpur block. The gravity of the situation is evident from the fact that the river's water is rapidly advancing towards residential areas, traversing agricultural land via its tributaries and local streams. The situation remains critical as several villages across the Lakshutola, Lalu Dera, Bahoranpur, Suhiya, and Damodarpur panchayats face the threat of being engulfed by floodwaters.

The situation is most alarming in Wards 13 and 14 of Lakshutola Panchayat, where water from the Ganges has entered people's homes. This unexpected spread of water has sparked panic among the villagers. Furthermore, floodwaters have inundated the main Lakshutola-Sarangpur road, completely disrupting traffic and severing the connection between the affected villages and other parts of the block.

Amidst this flood crisis, the rising water level of the Dharmavati River has further compounded the farmers' woes. With water spreading across the fields, standing crops face the imminent risk of being completely submerged and destroyed. This situation deals a double blow to farmers who were already grappling with adverse drought conditions in the region. The farming community is in deep distress over the looming threat of crop loss.

According to villagers, there has been a rapid rise in water levels since last night. Local residents have strongly urged the district administration to intervene immediately, monitor the situation closely, and ensure adequate relief measures are implemented. People in the *Diara* (riverine) area are now looking to the administration for government assistance and protection to mitigate the impact of this natural disaster.