Varanasi: Police commissioner Mohit Agarwal and district magistrate Satyendra Kumar jointly inspected the areas along the Ganga and Varuna rivers in view of flood threat, on Thursday. They reviewed the current flood situation, water level, river flow, and preparedness of administration and police departments.The inspection was carried out through both land routes and using boats. Starting from Namo Ghat, the officials inspected the riverbank areas of the Ganga, the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna near Keshav Ghat, and several vulnerable locations including Salarpur, Saraiya, Konia, Pul Kohna, Dhelwariya, and Sarai Mohana.Special attention was given to the present water level, flow of the rivers, condition of riverbank settlements, possibility of waterlogging in low-lying and populated areas, and sensitive points where rising water levels could affect residents. The officials directed the concerned departments to remain fully alert and prepared for any possible emergency.The DM instructed the officials to ensure continuous monitoring of the water level and flow of the Ganga and Varuna rivers. He directed that every change in the water level be reviewed regularly and immediately communicated to the concerned authorities and the control room.He also directed that pre-identified relief camps, access routes, essential resources, lighting arrangements, drinking water, sanitation, and rescue-related facilities in potential flood-affected areas be kept functional so that affected families can be shifted to safer places without delay if required.The police commissioner directed police and water police to maintain special vigilance in river and riverbank areas. He said police personnel should be effectively deployed at sensitive locations to ensure immediate rescue whenever needed.He also instructed officials to continuously alert people living along the rivers and low-lying areas. NDRF and Water Police boats were deployed at the spot during the inspection and emphasis was laid on effective coordination among police, administration, NDRF, and other departments.Both the officials appealed to residents living in areas along the Ganga and Varuna rivers to remain alert and follow instructions and warnings issued by the administration and policeThe DM directed the Sadar Tehsildar and concerned officials to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in areas along the Varuna to inform residents about precautions to be taken during a possible flood, safe locations, evacuation routes, and relief and rescue arrangements made by the administration.The officials stated that advance preparedness, continuous monitoring, timely information, inter-departmental coordination, and prompt action are essential for effective disaster management in a flood-like situation. All concerned departments were instructed to remain fully alert and ready to handle any possible situation.
