Garhwal Post Bureau
Rishikesh, 5 Aug: The prediction of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) of relentless and continuous rainfall in Uttarakhand has turned out to be true. The persistent rains across several districts in the state and particularly in the hills have severely disrupted daily life triggering landslides and causing rivers to rise dangerously. The Ganga River in Rishikesh is in full spate with its water level crossing the danger mark. Several ghats including Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan’s Aarti Ghat have been submerged, and the river is overflowing currently, and the water has already stared covering the Shiv Idol, evoking haunting memories of the 2013 disaster.
Following the Chandrabhaga River breaching its banks, the police have made public announcements urging nearby residents to remain vigilant and seek assistance in case of any emergency. The Been River (a tributary of Ganga) in Yamkeshwar block is also overflowing, prompting the suspension of small vehicle movement. Locals have resorted to using tractors to navigate the flooded terrain, while rising water levels remain a growing concern.
As per the reports reaching here, floodwater has entered homes across Rishikesh and adjoining areas, damaging property and household belongings. The citizens affected by waterlogging have posted videos on social media platforms to attract the attention of state authorities. Several neighbourhoods including Shivaji Nagar, Chandreshwar Nagar, and Mansa Devi are grappling with severe inundation, leaving residents struggling to manage their daily affairs.
The continuous downpour has fully submerged Parmarth Niketan’s Aarti Ghat, with the rising river now engulfing the Shiv Idol. Similarly, Triveni Ghat lies under water, and devotees have been barred from performing traditional dips. The iconic Ganga aarti has been temporarily relocated to a safer site as authorities monitor the situation closely.
It may be recalled that the past 24 hours have witnessed unceasing torrential downpours across the state, throwing life into chaos. In Dehradun and Haridwar districts, in addition to the swelling Ganga, other seasonal rivers have unleashed their fury, with the weather department warning of continued heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. The authorities have issued advisories urging residents to avoid hill roads and have begun clearing blockages using JCB machinery.
