Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Prayagraj, Affecting Ganga and Yamuna Rivers
Prayagraj, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is experiencing rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers due to heavy rainfall. This has led to concerns about potential flooding in the area.
Impact on Local Areas
The heavy rains have submerged the Sangam ghat, affecting bathing activities and causing flooding in lower areas, including near the Hanuman Mandir. Shopkeepers are moving further inland to avoid the rising waters.
Rainfall and Flood Statistics
On September 13, Prayagraj recorded 0.3 mm of rainfall. Currently, 11 districts in Uttar Pradesh are affected by floods, with 17 reported deaths. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s office has provided relief money of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and assistance to those who lost animals and homes.
Government Response
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the deployment of NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams in the affected areas. Manish Vishwakarma, a visitor to Prayagraj, noted the unusual rise in water levels near the Hanuman Mandir.
Challenges for Boatmen
Boatman Shiva Kumar Nishad expressed concerns about the unexpected rise in water levels, which has created difficulties for boatmen and residents.
Varanasi’s Situation
In Varanasi, the Ganga River’s water level has dropped, leaving behind large amounts of soil on the ghats. Volunteers and NGOs are working to clean the soil before upcoming festivals like Chhath, Deepawali, Dussehra, and Dev Deepawali.
Volunteer Efforts
Volunteer Pawan Bawa mentioned that they perform Shramdaan (voluntary labor) every year to clean the ghats. Another volunteer, Aman, highlighted the importance of cleaning for the Jitiya festival. Akash added that the cleanup drive will continue for a month, working day and night.
Environmental Concerns
There are concerns that soil washed back into the river could make the Ganga shallower over time. To address this, the national ‘Clean Ganga’ mission has approved five projects worth Rs 73 crore for Uttar Pradesh, including a Smart Laboratory for Clean Rivers in Varanasi.
Doubts Revealed
Prayagraj -: Prayagraj is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for the confluence of three rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
Ganga -: The Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is one of the major rivers in India. It is considered very holy by Hindus.
Yamuna -: The Yamuna is another important river in India. It flows through several states, including Uttar Pradesh, and meets the Ganga at Prayagraj.
Sangam ghat -: A ghat is a series of steps leading down to a river. The Sangam ghat in Prayagraj is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.
Varanasi -: Varanasi is another city in Uttar Pradesh, famous for its ghats along the Ganga river and its religious significance.
Clean Ganga mission -: The ‘Clean Ganga’ mission is a government initiative to clean and protect the Ganga river. It involves various projects to improve the river’s health and ecosystem.
ecosystem -: An ecosystem is a community of living things, like plants and animals, and their environment. It includes everything that interacts in a specific area.
