The ongoing preparations for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj have come to a halt due to the rising water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
Authorities have suspended construction activities in the Sangam area, including building ghats, the riverfront road in the Ganges basin, and the Bade Hanuman Mandir Corridor. They have also closed the sluice gate of Bakshi Dam as the Ganga approached the Salori STP.
The river has already reached the riverfront road near the Nagvasuki temple.
On Wednesday morning, the Bade Hanuman Ji temple at Sangam experienced a significant event as the water of Sangam reached the sanctum sanctorum at 6:40 AM.
Temple Inundation & Anticipated Flooding
Anticipating the rise in water levels from the Yamuna, authorities had estimated that the temple premises would be inundated soon. Upon the arrival of water, devotees expressed their joy by ringing bells.
After a brief worship session, the officials closed the sanctum sanctorum, and it will remain closed until the floodwaters recede.
Engineers have stated that if the water levels continue to rise, the Ganga will enter the Bade Hanuman Mandir by Wednesday.
Following the closure of the Bakshi Dam sluice gate, water from Allahpur is now being pumped out using pumps.
There is a concern that heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging in several areas, including Allahpur.
Engineers from Jalkal are closely monitoring the Bakshi Dam pumping station to manage the situation.
The water level of the Yamuna in Prayagraj has become alarming, with an increase of 2.29 meters in 24 hours (from 8 PM on Monday to 8 PM on Tuesday) in Naini.
During the same period, the Ganga’s water level in Chhatnag rose by 2.14 meters.
Predictions indicate that water will flow into Prayagraj from the Ken and Yamuna rivers in the next two days.
While the Ganga remained calm until 8 am, its water level in Phaphamau increased by only 3 cm from 8 am to 8 pm.
Observing the rising Yamuna, there is a possibility that the Ganga might enter the Bade Hanuman Mandir.
Flood control room engineers from the irrigation department estimate that the water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna could rise by over 82 cm in the next two days.
However, they have reassured that there is no immediate threat of reaching flood levels.
If the Ganga’s levels were to rise significantly, a flood could be imminent.
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