ALLAHABAD, June 26, 2013: Ganga and Yamuna have continued to rise at brisk pace at different ghats in the city following fresh rains in the catchment areas of Uttarakhand's upper reaches. Rising water level has forced residents of outlying areas to shift to safer places as the area is being inundated.

At Phaphamau, the level of Ganga was recorded at 78.720 metres that is a rise of 24 cms in the last 24 hours. On Monday, Ganga was flowing at 78.240 metres, informed executive engineer of flood control J P Verma. At Chatnag, the river's level stood at 74.610 metres and continued with the rising trend. However, at both places the river was flowing well below the danger mark of 84.730 metres.

The level of Yamuna was recorded at 75.250 metres at Naini with a rise of 1.15 metres in the last 24 hours. The river was flowing at 74.400 metres on Monday. The Yamuna, however, is still flowing well below the danger mark of 84.730 metres.

The rising trend of both rivers' water level has left officials worried.

The river water has started inundating the ghats in the Sangam area. Priests and other inhabitants have already started shifting their belongings to safer places after the river water washed away the makeshift huts and tenentments constructed by purohits and pandas, said local priest Govind Mishra.

Similarly, boats have been parked on the banks as devotees are not keen on venturing into the river which is rising at a brisk pace, said a boatman. He further said that owing to the hazards involved, pilgrims are shying away from enjoying boating in the river.

Local authorities have already asked those living on the river banks to shift to safer spots to avoid any untoward incident, said a source.

Same is the situation in areas adjoining the Yamuna where flood water has reached the steps of Baradari near Boat Club. Here the district authorities have stationed rescue teams to take care of any eventuality.
 

Source: The Times of India, DT. June 26, 2013.