Prayagraj: With the rapid rise in the water level of the twin rivers, the Ganga and Yamuna, the district authorities have set up as many as 26 relief camps in the city. Although both rivers are flowing two metres below the danger mark, residents are looking for possible options if the similar situation continues for the next 24 hours.DM Manish Kumar Verma told TOI, “Authorities have taken all preventive measures, including the deployment of NDRF, PAC Flood Control and Jal Police teams at the identified spots.” He added, “The administration has already activated 24 flood relief centres in the city and appealed to people living in low-lying areas not to enter floodwaters.”He said that floodwater has still not entered low-lying areas and transportation was normal. He, however, cautioned that the next 24 hours are crucial and the administration would adopt required measures according to the situation.The rising water level has submerged the riverfront road at many spots, including Nagvasuki, but people living in low-lying areas have still not been affected. Local administration teams led by SDMs are interacting with residents and cautioning them about safety and security measures in case floodwater enters residential low-lying areas in the next 24 hours.If floodwater enters low-lying areas in the next crucial 24 hours, it is likely to affect hundreds of families staying in Chota Baghara, Baghara, Ganga Nagar, Beli Gaon, Rajapur, Newada, Mehdauri, Chilla, Salori, Govindpur, Daraganj, Sadiabad, Bakshi Moda and adjoining areas.Residents, however, admitted that they too have adopted a ‘wait-and-watch’ approach till floodwater enters their localities. Officials of the Flood Control Department attributed the rise in the water level to the release of additional water by many dams in states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.The district authorities have already sounded an alert and activated as many as 98 flood outposts across six tehsils of the district. By 8 am, the water level of both rivers at all three recording sites was rising.The water level of the Ganga (at 8 am) at Phaphamau was 82.62 m, while at Chhatnag it was 81.68 m. The Yamuna was flowing at 82.20 m at Naini, two metres below the danger mark of 84.73 m.There has been an increase of 67 cm in the water level of the Yamuna in 24 hours at Naini. Similarly, the Ganga rose by 106 cm and 63 cm at Phaphamau and Chhatnag, respectively.At 12 noon, the water level of the Yamuna at Naini was recorded at 82.92 metres. Similarly, the water level of the Ganga at Phaphamau and Chhatnag stood at 82.68 metres and 82.43 metres, respectively.A senior district official said, “Officials of the Flood Control Division are maintaining a close watch on the water level and measures are being initiated accordingly. The pace of the rising water level of the Ganga on Monday was slower compared to the Yamuna at Naini.”Currently, the administration has appealed to residents to take preventive measures and be ready to shift to relief camps if floodwater enters low-lying areas. Guddi, a resident of Rajapur, said, “The floodwater has not entered houses and is flowing a few metres away from the colony.” She added, “If the water level increases, we would be shifting ourselves along with our belongings to safer areas.”Areas like Rajapur, Beli Gaon, Baghara, Chota Baghara and adjoining areas are under scanner.
