Heavy Rain Swells Ganga and Yamuna, Raises Flooding Fears in Uttar Pradesh

Heavy rains have caused water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to rise, sparking concerns about potential flooding in Uttar Pradesh. The deluge has submerged essential areas in Prayagraj and affected multiple districts, leading to fatalities and property damage. Flood relief efforts are underway.

Heavy rainfall has led to rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj, igniting fears of potential flooding. Increased water has submerged areas like the Sangam ghat, disrupting bathing activities and pushing shopkeepers to relocate.

Flooding has impacted 11 districts in Uttar Pradesh, with 17 fatalities reported. According to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's office, relief funds of Rs 4 lakh have been provided to the families of the deceased. Many have had to deal with significant property damage, and assistance is being doled out accordingly. The chief minister has deployed NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams to assist the affected regions.

Local voices like Manish Vishwakarma and boatman Shiva Kumar Nishad describe the unexpected rise in water levels as concerning. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, receding Ganga levels leave a substantial soil deposit on the ghats, complicating cleanup efforts for upcoming festivals. Volunteers and NGOs have stepped in to assist with the cleaning drive. Concerns linger about long-term impacts on the Ganga's depth, prompting the national 'Clean Ganga' mission to approve projects to improve the river's ecosystem.

(With inputs from agencies.)