Introduction
The Ganga River is a sacred river in India that is also a chief source of water for irrigation and ingesting. The river is prone to flooding, and the recent heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has induced the water stage to upward push to risky tiers in Rishikesh.
Water level of the Ganga River
The water level of the Ganga River in Rishikesh rose to a risky degree on Monday, August 15, 2023, following heavy rainfall within the region. The water level at the Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh reached 297.30 metres, above the risk stage of 297 metres.
The rising water level has prompted flooding in several low-lying regions of Rishikesh, which include Chandreshwar Nagar and Sheesham Jhari. The authorities have evacuated people from these areas and closed numerous roads.
The authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have warned human beings to live far from the river. They have additionally cautioned people to avoid travelling to Rishikesh till the water stage recedes.
The heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has additionally brought on landslides in numerous regions. The government has evacuated humans from the affected areas and closed numerous roads.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast greater heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand within the coming days. The government has cautioned people to remain vigilant and to take precautions.
Potential dangers of the excessive water degree:
The excessive water degree inside the Ganga River poses some of dangers, including:
- Flooding: The growing water level should motivate flooding in low-mendacity areas of Rishikesh.
- Landslides: The heavy rainfall may also motivate landslides inside the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.
- Damage to property and infrastructure: The flooding and landslides ought to harm assets and infrastructure in Rishikesh and the encompassing areas.
- Injuries and deaths: The flooding and landslides could also motivate accidents and deaths.
Steps taken through the government:
The authorities have taken the following steps to mitigate the dangers posed through the high water stage inside the Ganga River:
- Evacuating people from low-lying regions.
- Closing roads and bridges.
- Deploying rescue groups.
- Providing food and shelter to the displaced people.
- Monitoring the scenario closely.
Expert insights:
A meteorologist from the IMD said that the heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand is due to a mixture of things, including the monsoon season and a western disturbance. He stated that the rainfall is anticipated to preserve inside the coming days, but the depth is in all likelihood to decrease.
A disaster management reputable said that the government is organized to address the scenario and that they have enough assets to evacuate people and provide relief. He stated that the people ought to live far away from the river and other water bodies and observe the commands of the authorities.
Stories from people suffering from the flooding:
A lady who was evacuated from her home in Chandreshwar Nagar stated that she became scared when she noticed the water stage growing. She stated that she is grateful to the government for evacuating her and her own family.
A man who misplaced his home in a landslide stated that he’s devastated. He stated that he does not recognize what he will do now.
Ganga water level in Rishikesh exceeded the danger level twice in the past 5 years:
- In June 2021, the water level reached 297.30 meters, which is above the danger level of 297 meters. The flooding caused damage to property and infrastructure in Rishikesh and the surrounding areas.
- In July 2022, the water level reached 297.10 meters, which is also above the danger level. The flooding caused some damage to property and infrastructure, but it was not as severe as the flooding in 2021.
The Ganga River is prone to flooding, and the frequency of flooding has been increasing in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including climate change, deforestation, and the construction of dams.
Conclusion:
The situation in Rishikesh continues to be growing, however the government is taking steps to mitigate the risks posed by means of the excessive water level within the Ganga River. The people of Rishikesh and the encompassing areas have to stay secure and follow the commands of the authorities.
FAQs
Q1: Is Rishikesh a flood-inclined area?
A1: Yes, Rishikesh is at risk of flooding because of its place near the Ganga river and its vulnerability to heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
Q2: How deep is the Ganga in Rishikesh?
A2: The depth of the Ganga in Rishikesh varies, however it is able to reach several meters at some stage in the monsoon season when water tiers rise.
Q3: Is it secure to drink Ganga water in Rishikesh?
A3: While the Ganga is considered a holy river, its water might not continually be safe to drink due to pollutants and contaminants. It’s advisable to depend on purified or bottled water.
Q4: Which nation in India is notably flood-susceptible?
A4: The country of Assam is highly flood-susceptible due to its substantial community of rivers, heavy rainfall, and geographical features.
Q5: What is the maximum flood-inclined place in India?
A5: The Brahmaputra and Ganga river basins are the various maximum flood-inclined areas in India, with frequent flooding affecting several states.
