Prayagraj: Severe waterlogging continued to disrupt life across the Sangam city on Wednesday, with several localities virtually turning into lakes after heavy rain over the past two days. In some pockets, roads remained submerged in waist-deep water, forcing residents to wade through dirty water while rainwater and overflowing drains entered houses, lodges and student accommodation.The situation was particularly grim around CMP Degree College, George Town, Tagore Town, Kareli, Allahapur, Civil Lines, Rambagh, Govindpur and several low-lying areas. In front of CMP Degree College, both lanes of the road were submerged, making movement extremely difficult. Pilgrims staying at lodges in the area were seen struggling to make their way out through deep water, carrying their belongings.Students preparing for competitive examinations have also begun leaving the affected localities after water entered their rooms. Many were seen packing books, bedding, clothes and other belongings and returning to their native places as they found it increasingly difficult to continue their preparations in the flooded surroundings.Although denizens breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday morning when bright sunshine welcomed the locals, by evening, thick dark clouds once again brought downpour. Interestingly, besides the dry spell of early half of Wednesday, police personnel of Georgetown police station continued to work under knee deep water.Likewise, tree falling and blocking the roads was also reported from different localities including the Elgin road of posh civil lines.“We are fed up with the situation now. We have tried to manage for the last few days, but with water entering our rooms, we are going back home,” said Shlok, a competitive-exam aspirant.Several students living in rented rooms and paying guest accommodation said their books, beds, clothes and personal belongings were soaked or submerged after water entered their rooms. For many, the disruption has come at a crucial time as they prepare for competitive examinations.The overflowing drainage system has added another layer to the crisis. With drains unable to cope with the volume of rainwater, dirty water and garbage have spilled onto roads and entered houses. Waste floating in stagnant water has raised concerns among residents about the spread of water-borne diseases and the possibility of an outbreak if the water remains stagnant for long.Vegetable vendors have also been struggling to protect their carts and produce. Markets and roadside businesses remained affected as customers avoided waterlogged stretches.The severity of the situation comes amid an unusually wet August. According to the India Meteorological Department, Prayagraj has received 582.8 mm of rainfall since Aug 1 against the normal 482.4 mm for the period, making rainfall 21% above average. The IMD has also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next three days, raising fears that already waterlogged areas could deteriorate further.The Allahabad High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the waterlogging situation in Prayagraj. Following this, the district administration has intensified its response. District magistrate Manish Kumar Verma deployed six PCS officers to oversee waterlogging, sanitation, electricity, ration and medicine arrangements in different parts of the city. The officers have been directed to remain on the ground, coordinate with the municipal corporation and other departments and submit status reports every three hours.Divisional commissioner Dr Lokesh M inspected George Town, Tagore Town, Sangam petrol pump and adjoining affected areas along with municipal commissioner Sai Teja and other officials. He directed officials to speed up drainage by deploying additional pumps.At present, 43 pumps with a combined capacity of 132.50 MLD are being used for water drainage across the district. Six pumps with a combined capacity of 20 MLD have been deployed around the Sangam petrol pump area. Officials have also been instructed to arrange water tankers in areas facing drinking water shortages.The administration has extended monitoring to rural and flood-prone areas. SDMs of Karachhana, Bara, Meja, Koraon, Soraon, Phulpur and Handia have been directed to regularly visit affected villages and oversee relief operations.
