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Ganga River
The Ganga, which was flowing at a mark of 109.4 m on July 1, in just five days has touched 112 m mark. The river is thus flowing only one metre below the warning mark of 113 m. The danger mark on the other hand is 114 m at Ganga Barrage. The readings were taken by the water commission on Wednesday evening.
Last year, the flood water had inundated several villages of Katri belt and had forced the residents to leave their homes in search of a safer place. The district administration had arranged to settle the displaced villagers at Ganga Barrage. Though this year the flood water has not entered any of the village, but its rising level has made villagers worry.
When Gangu Nishad, 53, a native of Chainpurwa village, recalls the last year's flood, shivers go down his spine. Keshav Kewat, a resident of Gangarampurwa village, supports his family through selling the produce of his field. These two and several hundreds of other villagers of Katri region are watching helplessly, as the Ganga rises with each passing day.
The need of the hour is preparedness on the part of district administration. In case of a flood, the authorities would have to get the villagers evacuated and also provide for food and medicine, besides fodder for the domestic animals. Further, arrangement for settlements is to be made. Already more than 500 villagers are living in makeshift settlements at Ganga Barrage. The flood relief centres have to be opened to accommodate the displaced people.
