Vigil increased on ghats after rise in level of rivers

Prayagraj: Rising water levels of Ganga and Yamuna have prompted district authorities to step up security measures at all ghats, especially Dashashwamegh Ghat and Sangam noze, which are frequented by a large number of kanwariyas for taking dip and collecting water to be offered to Lord Shiva in the Hindu holy month of Shrawan. Additional jal police jawans, PAC (flood operations), SDRF and divers have been pressed into service to ensure safety of kanwariyas. The water level of Ganga and Yamuna has risen at Phaphamau, Chatnag and Naini by 24, 29 and 28 cms respectively in the past 24 hours.ACP (Jhunsi) Chirag Jain told TOI, “Cops are maintaining a strict watch on ghats and no one is allowed to enter deep water zones. Deep water barricading on Ganga banks will be reset as per the water level. We are maintaining that there should be at least 4 ft depth on the ghats.”Besides, department has also sought cooperation from swimmers and boatmen to ensure safety of devotees. Patrolling on motorboats have also ben intensified. tnn