Yamuna rise has Agra residents in panic

AGRA - People living along the Yamuna in Agra and Mathura were in panic mode Friday as the river began to rise, threatening low-lying areas with flooding.

The Divisional Commissioner of Agra has directed officials in Agra and Mathura districts to draw up contingency plans, cancel holidays of civic employees and health department personnel. The Provincial Armed Constabulary has been alerted.

Reports of more discharges into the river by upstream barrages indicate the water level could cross the danger mark of 495 metre in Agra by Saturday night. In Mathura, the Yamuna is already flowing some inches above the danger mark of 165 metre.

Agra district magistrate Amrit Abhijat held a meeting of all departmental heads at the Collectorate Friday evening to chalk out a plan of action.

In the Sadar tehsil at least 20 villages would be affected, while in the urban corporation area 15 localities and colonies would be hit by the floods, he said. shelters have been created at Khandelwal Dharamshala, ITI campus, and MD Jain Inter College, he told mediapersons.

The high level of silting could make things worse, said Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society.