Swollen Yamuna poses flood threat to Agra

AGRA - Hundreds of families living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna river in Agra and Mathura districts of Uttar Pradesh were shifted to safe areas Saturday as the river level inched closer to the danger mark in the Taj city, officials said.

In Agra, the water level continued to rise Saturday though it remained a few inches below the danger mark of 495 feet.

“The Yamuna water level in Agra could rise above 500 feet - five feet above the danger mark of 495 feet - Monday,” an official said.

“The whole city is presently discussing whether the level would go higher than in 1978, as the discharge this time is much more alarming from Hathni Kund barrage in Haryana,” said green activist Ravi Singh.

“If the river level went up by a few feet it could spell doom for several new colonies that have come up on the flood plains of Yamuna, violating all norms,” he warned.

Agra Municipal Commissioner Vinay Pandey and District Magistrate Amrit Abhijat along with officials visited neighbourhoods on the river bank to assess the situation Saturday.

The flood situation in Vrindavan and Mathura was equally alarming Saturday as water entered many colonies and villages cutting off communication links.

“Fresh showers in the past two days has filled up the ponds and there is water logging all around in the Parikrama Marg in Goverdhan and Vrindavan,” said Acharya Tringuneet Jaimini of Vrindavan.

Officials said Sunday would be tough for Mathura and Vrindavan when the discharge from Okhla barrage reaches these areas. The Gokul Barrage at Mathura is already under pressure.