Prayagraj: The receding water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna have brought much-needed relief to both the district administration and residents of low-lying areas. However, locals say normalcy will return only after the monsoon season ends.The water levels of both rivers continued to recede at all three monitoring points, Phaphamau, Chhatnag and Naini, on Saturday.Residents of low-lying areas said they face uncertainty whenever the rivers swell during the monsoon. Although the rivers did not cross the danger mark this year, the repeated rise and fall in water levels kept many on edge.Ajay Kumar of Chota Baghara told TOI: “I packed my belongings twice after seeing the Ganga’s water level rise and shifted valuable household items to safer places. However, every few days, we would hear that the water was receding. While falling water levels are always welcome news for those living in low-lying areas, uncertainty has affected us all.”A group of residents staying at a flood relief camp said, “The receding water level is a positive sign, but it will take time before life returns to normal.”Guddi, a resident of Rajapur, said, “We have returned home as the situation has stabilised.”Ashok, another resident, said, “Every year, floods put residents of low-lying areas in a catch-22 situation. People often pack their belongings several times during the monsoon and move to relief camps. This year, however, we did not shift because the water level remained below the danger mark, though floodwaters reached our doorstep. Things will finally be settled once the monsoon is over.”Last year, floods affected thousands of people in more than 22 localities, forcing over 600 families to move to relief camps.Officials of the flood control department said that while the Yamuna at Naini and the Ganga at Chhatnag were receding rapidly, the Ganga at Phaphamau was receding at a slower pace.Both rivers are currently flowing about two metres below the danger mark of 84.734 metres.This year, rising river levels affected two low-lying urban localities and 24 villages in Sangam city. At present, over 50 families have shifted to safer locations.According to official figures, by 8 am on Sunday, the water level of the Ganga was recorded at 82.72 metres at Phaphamau and 81.59 metres at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna stood at 82.06 metres at Naini.By noon, the Ganga’s level had fallen to 82.64 metres at Phaphamau and 81.51 metres at Chhatnag. The Yamuna was recorded at 81.96 metres at Naini.Officials said that over the past 24 hours, the water levels of the Yamuna and Ganga had receded by 42 cm and 30 cm, respectively.
