Ganges swells beyond danger mark at Sambhal's Rajghat, alarming devotees

The Ganges River has turned ferocious at Rajghat in Sambhal, with the lower portion of the ghat now submerged as water levels continue to rise. Water is flowing above the red danger mark painted on the pillar of the Rajghat Ganga Bridge, and the strong current has reached the steps of the aarti site, raising concern among devotees and people living along the river bank.

The scene at Rajghat Ganga Ghat looked dramatically different in the morning. On normal days, devotees sit along the river bank for worship and participate in the aarti, but now water has reached the steps of the ghat. The river's strong current and surging water give a sense of the Ganges' increased velocity.

At Babarala Rajghat, the danger mark on the railway bridge pillar has been submerged, and the current has reached the steps of the aarti site.

Local residents are keeping a constant watch on the Ganges water level after the water reached these points. According to the bulletin issued at six in the morning on Monday from Chaudhary Charan Singh Ganga Barrage, Narora, the water level in the downstream of the barrage was recorded at 177.82 meters and the water flow at 96,219 cusecs.

The danger level at Narora Barrage is fixed at 178.765 meters. In this regard, the downstream water level of the barrage is about 0.945 meters below the danger mark.

One millimeter of rain was recorded in the barrage area in the past 24 hours. In view of the strong current of the Ganges, devotees are being appealed to avoid going to the lower portion of the ghat and areas with strong flow.

As a precautionary measure, police surveillance has been increased and people visiting the ghat are being advised to stay in safe places.

The possibility of fluctuation in the water level of the Ganges remains. The effect of rain in the upper areas and water released from barrages can reach Rajghat. In such a situation, the administration and the irrigation department are keeping an eye on the situation along with people in the riverside areas.

The report is by Rajat Malhotra.