Prayagraj : With the constant rise of water level of the Ganga and Yamuna, the ‘Maha-snan’ (grand ritual bath) of Lord Hanuman at the famous Bade Hanuman Ji temple—located near the embankment at the Sangam—was performed early Sunday. The ‘Mangala Aarti’ took place after the waters of the Ganga entered the temple premises. After acknowledging the rise of twin rivers, the administration has sounded an alert, appealing to residents of low lying areas to adopt preventive measures and planning to shift them to safer places if a similar situation continues.Pointedly, in the early hours of Sunday, around 3:45 AM, Maa Ganga bathed the deity Lord Hanuman at the Sangam banks in Sangam city. Seers describe the event as auspicious, propitious, and a symbol of happiness and prosperity.By Sunday morning (8 am), the water level of the Ganga at Phaphamau and Chhatnag reached 81.56 and 81.05 meters respectively, while that of the Yamuna at Naini stood at 81.53 meters. The danger mark for both rivers is 83.74 meters. Flood water from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bundelkhand is flowing into the Yamuna. Besides, water from the Matatila and Hathnikund dams is also being released into the Yamuna. Rainwater from Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh is flowing into the Ganga causing rise in the water level in Sangam city. Water is also being released into the Ganga from the Narora Dam, as well as the Kanpur and Haridwar barrages. Moreover, the water levels of the Tons and Belan rivers are also rising.The rising water level has inundated ghats near low-lying areas on their banks and posing a threat of further encroachment if the similar situation continues.In the past 24 hours (as per the reading taken at 8 am on Sunday), the Ganga increased by 87 cm at Phaphamau and by 89 cm at Chhatnag.Although both rivers are flowing over three metres below the danger mark, the district administration is keeping a close eye on the water levels and has already initiated steps to activate the flood relief camps as and when required. Many people who reside near the banks of the Ganga, have already vacated their homes. The smaller rivers and drains in the villages of Koraon, Meja, and Manda have also inundated their banks and entered a few villages. The irrigation department said that the water levels of the Yamuna’s tributary rivers, including the Chambal, Ken, and Betwa, have increased rapidly. The rising water levels are being continuously monitored, and there is a possibility of further rise in the coming days.Plans are afoot to set up around 103 relief camps including 12 in city and rest across the district in case of floods. District authorities have completed all preparations in view of rising water level of twin rivers in six tehsils, often affected by floods, and flood relief camp in city have been activated.”Officials of the flood control department, however, said, “ When water level of river Ganga will cross 82.10 meter mark, then flood water might be entering in low lying areas like Baghara, Chota Baghara and adjoining areas.”In current scenario, the flood water released from different dams like Narora and Kanpur barrage is passing through river Ganga after finding adequate space. Meanwhile, residents living in low lying areas have even started looking for alternative arrangements in safer areas if the flood like situation arises in city.Salori resident Taurn Tripathi said, “River Ganga is currently far from our house but if the water level rises constantly in next 24 hours and crosses 82 meter mark, we would have to think to shift to safer places.”The boating in Sangam and other ghats has already been suspended.
