Bihar News : The Ganga water level in Patna has been rising continuously for the past several days, with its impact now extending beyond the ghats to residential settlements and roadsides. At Gandhi Ghat, the river was flowing 57 cm above the danger mark on Friday morning, while the water level has risen by nearly two metres in six days.
Water has entered Bind Toli, located behind Kurji, while the river has reached the roadside near LCT Ghat. Water has also risen at Tourist Ghat and almost all major ghats, increasing concerns among people living along the riverbank.
Gandhi Ghat Water Level Rises Nearly Two Metres in Six Days
According to the 6 am report on Friday, the Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat was recorded at 49.17 metres. The danger mark at the location is 48.60 metres, placing the river 57 cm above the danger level.
A day earlier, on August 20, the water level was 48.67 metres. This means the river rose by 50 cm within 24 hours. On August 15, the water level at Gandhi Ghat stood at 47.17 metres, showing an increase of nearly two metres over six days.
Digha and Maner Also Near the Danger Mark
The situation at Digha Ghat is also becoming serious. On Friday morning, the water level was recorded at 50.20 metres, while the danger mark is 50.45 metres. The river was therefore just 25 cm below the danger level.
The water level at Digha was 49.56 metres on August 20, marking a rise of 64 cm within 24 hours. On August 15, it was 47.86 metres. In six days, the water level at Digha has increased by 2.34 metres.
At Maner, the Ganga water level has reached 51.65 metres, just 35 cm below the danger mark of 52 metres.
At Hathidah, the water level was recorded at 41.88 metres against the danger mark of 41.76 metres. The Ganga was flowing 12 cm above the danger level there.
Rising Water Level Raises Concern in Low-Lying Areas
With the Ganga already flowing 57 cm above the danger mark at Gandhi Ghat, pressure on low-lying urban areas could increase if the water level continues to rise.
There is concern that the risk to urban areas could increase if the river level reaches around two metres above the danger mark. The administration has, however, described the urban safety wall, inspected embankments and other safety structures as safe for now.
The flood control department is continuously monitoring the situation, but the rising pressure of the river has increased concerns among people living in low-lying areas.
Ganga Water Level at Major Locations
| Location | August 15 | August 20 | August 21 | Danger Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gandhi Ghat | 47.17 metres | 48.67 metres | 49.17 metres | 48.60 metres |
| Digha Ghat | 47.86 metres | 49.56 metres | 50.20 metres | 50.45 metres |
| Hathidah | 40.44 metres | 41.51 metres | 41.88 metres | 41.76 metres |
| Maner | 49.06 metres | 50.81 metres | 51.65 metres | 52.00 metres |
Crowds Gather at Ghats to Watch the Swollen Ganga
According to the Water Resources Department report, water levels are rising at most major Ganga gauge stations between Prayagraj and Munger. The river level was recorded at 79.91 metres in Prayagraj, 68.70 metres in Varanasi and 58.88 metres in Buxar.
The rising water pressure in upstream areas is also affecting the Ganga water level in Patna. Large crowds are gathering at Digha Ghat along JP Ganga Path to watch the swollen river, while other ghats are also seeing visitors in the evening.
Rising water levels have affected development and beautification work along the river-facing section of JP Ganga Path. Work on the Waste to Wonder Park near Bans Ghat and other projects has also been halted.
219 Boats Ready, SDRF Teams Deployed
ADM Disaster DP Shahi said 219 boats and boatmen have been kept ready to deal with any flood-related situation. SDRF teams are stationed at Gaighat and Umanath Ghat in Barh and will immediately respond in case of an emergency.
He appealed to people crossing the Ganga by boat to exercise special caution. People should travel only on registered boats while wearing life jackets and must not board overloaded boats.
He also advised people to avoid bathing in the Ganga as far as possible. If bathing is necessary, they should use only safe, marked areas at designated ghats. Swimming in the strong current is also unsafe.
In the event of a person drowning, he said people should not jump into the water themselves to attempt a rescue. Instead, they should immediately inform a rescue team or call emergency service 112.
