Kanpur: The Ganga remained above the warning level at Kanpur’s Ganga barrage for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, prompting authorities to ban bathing and boating at ghats and alert residents of low-lying villages, particularly those in the Katri area along the riverbanks.The river’s water level was recorded at 114.60 metres upstream and 114.27 metres downstream of the barrage. With the warning level fixed at 114 metres and the danger mark at 115 metres, the upstream level was just 40cm below the danger mark.About 5,44,373 cusecs of water was discharged from the barrage into the Ganga as authorities maintained continuous monitoring of the situation. Residents and visitors were advised to exercise caution at the ghats because of the rising water level and strong current.In Shuklaganj, the Ganga rose to 112.96 metres, just 4cm below the warning level. Officials said a further rise could affect Shuklaganj and other nearby low-lying areas.Meanwhile, river water reached the boundaries of Lodhwa Kheda and Chainpurwa villages in the Ganga Katri area.Villagers said several bighas of standing crops had been submerged after floodwater entered agricultural fields. A continued rise in the river level could further increase difficulties for residents of villages along the riverbanks.
