Ganga flows above warning level in Rishikesh as heavy rain continues; SDRF intensifies evacuation, awareness drive
Rishikesh, August 6
The impact of continuous heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand's hill districts was visible in Rishikesh on Thursday, with the Ganga flowing above the warning level at Triveni Ghat, prompting authorities to intensify evacuation and awareness drives along the riverbanks.
According to officials of the Central Water Commission in Rishikesh, the Ganga is in spate, and its water level has crossed the warning mark. With the river witnessing a strong and swift current, teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Water Police and Disaster Response Force launched joint evacuation and awareness campaigns at Triveni Ghat, Muni Ki Reti and Laxman Jhula.
Using loudhailers, the teams appealed to devotees, residents and tourists to immediately vacate the ghats and move to safer locations. They also warned people against entering the river, saying continuous rainfall in the upper reaches has caused a rapid rise in the Ganga's water level, making the flow extremely dangerous.
Disaster response teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations and are maintaining constant surveillance. Authorities have urged people to follow safety advisories, avoid going near the riverbanks and immediately contact the control room or disaster response teams in case of any emergency.
Speaking to ANI, Additional SI, Disaster Relief, Rishikesh, Bishan Singh Kadhka, said that we have seen continuous rainfall since Wednesday night that has significantly raised the river's water level.
"It has been raining continuously since last night, and the weather remains under alert today. At around 9 am, the water level was very high. Our Jal Police, Water Police and SDRF teams are deployed and monitoring the situation continuously. We are not allowing anyone to take a dip in the Ganga and are advising pilgrims to stay away from the river. People living near the ghats have also been advised to remain alert during the night and contact us immediately in case of any emergency," he said.
ASI Mahavir Chauhan of the SDRF said that the force has been instructed to prevent people from entering the river as the water level continues to rise.
"Given the continuous rainfall and the rising water level of the Ganga, which has reached the warning mark and is continuing to rise, we have been instructed to make announcements at the ghats and prevent anyone from venturing into the river. Our teams are fully equipped with rescue gear and remain on constant alert," Chauhan told ANI.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said an Orange alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for Dehradun, Bageshwar and Chamoli, while a three-hour Orange alert is also in place for Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri-Tehri and Uttarkashi.
"The water levels of the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Ganga, Yamuna and Sharda rivers are rising, and at many places they are flowing above danger marks. The situation is being monitored continuously, warnings are being issued, and evacuation measures are being taken wherever required," Suman said.
He added that nearly 1,869 roads were closed due to rain, most of which have since been reopened, while around 150 routes remain blocked. He said the Char Dham Yatra is continuing smoothly, with routes being temporarily regulated wherever rainfall poses a risk. Suman also said six batches undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have completed their journey and returned, while the seventh batch is currently in China and the remaining groups are at Nabhidhang and Tanakpur.
Separately, Suman chaired a virtual meeting at the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority headquarters in Dehradun to review earthquake preparedness and discuss the establishment of a seismic observatory in Joshimath. Officials from the National Centre for Seismology, C-DAC Pune and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology attended the meeting. The state government has agreed to provide land in Joshimath for the observatory, which is expected to strengthen earthquake monitoring and research in the region.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very concerning situation. I have family in Haridwar and they say the water level is rising every hour. The authorities need to ensure proper shelters and relief measures for people living near the riverbanks. Also, appreciate the quick response in issuing the Orange alert.
Har Har Ganga! But seriously, people need to understand that the holiest of rivers can also be dangerous when in flood. The authorities doing rounds with loudhailers is a good step, but they should also install more signboards and barriers at vulnerable spots.
Having visited Rishikesh last year during monsoon, I can understand the severity. The Ganga can rise quite rapidly. A good move by the state government to bring in experts for earthquake preparedness in Joshimath as well. Uttarakhand is really vulnerable to multiple natural disasters.
Great job by the disaster response teams! They are working tirelessly in such tough conditions. The announcement about 1869 roads being closed shows how severe the situation is. I hope the pilgrims on Char Dham Yatra stay safe and heed all the warnings. ☔
One suggestion - perhaps use some social media Influencers to spread awareness too. Young travellers often don't listen to traditional announcements. They should also set up towers at strategic points for constant monitoring. The move to establish a seismic observatory in Joshimath is commendable for long-term disaster preparedness.
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