Yamuna floods relief camps in Mathura, alert in Agra

Agra: Yamuna breached the danger mark in Mathura and touched the alert level in Agra on Wednesday following the release of over three lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana and continuous rainfall in the river's catchment areas. Nearly 1,000 residents were shifted to flood relief camps, schools were shut, and religious events like the Panchkoshi Parikrama in Vrindavan were suspended to prevent untoward incidents.

Mathura DM CP Singh said the river was flowing 40cm above the danger level. "Two days ago, 3.3 lakh cusecs of water were released from Hathnikund barrage. However, we have made all necessary arrangements and are fully prepared. Shelters are equipped with food, drinking water, medical support, ambulances, and mobile toilets," he said.

Data accessed by TOI showed the Yamuna flowing at 166.41 metres in Mathura, which is above the danger level and continuing to rise. In Agra, the river was flowing at 151 metres, just below the danger mark of 152 metres, also with a rising trend.

In Mathura, 976 people across the district took refuge in 25 relief camps. Flood outposts were placed on high alert, and the administration issued warnings to residents living in low-lying areas. Many were shifted after floodwater entered homes. Boating in Yamuna was banned, and the ghats had already been closed to devotees earlier.

In Vrindavan, water reached knee level on the Panchkoshi Parikrama route. The administration suspended the ritual from Ekadashi onwards until further notice, citing safety concerns. Schools across the district were also closed till Thursday due to the flood-like situation.

In Agra, the administration maintained vigil as Yamuna hovered near the danger mark. Additional district magistrate (finance/revenue) Shubhangi Shukla said a district-level control room had been set up to operate 24x7. The helpline numbers were listed as 0562-2260550 and 09458095419. The DM has ordered closure of schools from nursery to Class 12 on Thursday.

"Currently, the Yamuna is flowing at 151.495 metres. Based on present indications, it may reach the danger level of 152.400 metres at Agra Water Works between Sept 5 and 6, which may cause flooding in several parts of the district," Shukla said.

She listed the rural areas likely to be affected by a low-level flood in Sadar tehsil as Tanoura, Noorpur, Mehra Naharganj, Visarna, Kailash and Swamibagh. In Fatehabad tehsil, the vulnerable villages included Bharapur, Bamrauli, Idoun, Madyana, Mewlikalan, Guda, Mewlikhud and Himayupur.

Urban areas under threat from possible flooding included Nagla Budhi, Amar Vihar, Dayalbagh, Motimahal, Katra Wazir Khan, Rambagh Basti, Apsara Talkies and Yamuna Kinara Road (stretch from Vedant Mandir to Fort). Shukla said officials from the revenue department were on the ground in each tehsil and were regularly informing residents about the water levels. She added that all departments concerned had been directed to make necessary arrangements.

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