The Ganga River is witnessing a rapid surge in water levels near Brijghat in Hapur district, raising alarm in several low-lying villages located along the riverbanks. Following the release of nearly 75,000 cusecs of water from the barrages in Haridwar and Bijnor, the water level in the Ganga has increased significantly, moving swiftly toward the yellow alert mark.

As the river continues to swell, administrative authorities have issued a yellow alert, and flood control teams have been placed on high alert. The growing risk of flood-like conditions in riverine villages has triggered concern among thousands of residents in the Ganga Khadar (floodplain) region.

 Rapid Rise in Ganga River Water Level Triggers Warnings

According to district officials in Hapur, the Ganga’s water level has risen by 30 centimeters in the last 48 hours, now flowing just 45 centimeters below the yellow alert threshold. The situation is expected to worsen further within the next 12 to 14 hours, as additional water released from upstream barrages makes its way downstream.

This surge is attributed primarily to heavy rainfall in the Himalayan foothills and the increased discharge from Haridwar and Bijnor barrages, creating a compounding effect in the river’s lower reaches.

Monsoon Rains, Barrage Discharges Fuel Rising Water Levels

The 2025 monsoon season has been intense across North India, especially in Uttarakhand, where continuous downpours have swelled rivers and streams. This has prompted dam and barrage authorities in Haridwar and Bijnor to release excess water as a precautionary measure, resulting in downstream areas like Brijghat in Hapur facing the consequences.

As per water resource department records:

• Flood danger mark for the Ganga: 199.00 cm

• Official flood level: 199.33 cm

• Yellow alert threshold: 198.75 cm

• Current water level (Sunday): 198.30 cm

• Water level on Friday: 198.00 cm

Given the consistent daily rise, the river is inching dangerously close to breach alert levels, threatening nearby agricultural fields, forested floodplains, and access roads.

 Villagers on Edge as Floodwater Nears Outer Settlements

At least a dozen villages located in the Ganga floodplain in the Garhmukteshwar region are under watch, as water begins creeping closer to outer residential areas. Locals fear that if the water level continues to rise at the current pace, inundation of homes, fields, and village roads could become a reality within the next 48 hours.

Residents have expressed growing anxiety, especially those whose houses are within low-lying zones near the riverbed. “If this rise continues for two more days, we may be dealing with an unofficial flood situation,” said a local from a village near the riverbank.

 Emergency Response and Administrative Alertness

With the looming threat of localized flooding, the district administration has activated its flood monitoring cells, and flood control posts have been put on high alert. Surveillance of river embankments, villager movement, and vulnerable structures is underway, with emergency personnel ready to respond if evacuations become necessary.

Officials have urged villagers to:

• Stay away from the riverbanks and submerged roads

• Avoid venturing into the river for religious or personal reasons

• Monitor official updates via local authorities and disaster alert systems

Boats, life vests, and temporary shelters are being prepped in case the alert escalates.

 Waterlogging and Connectivity Challenges Ahead

With rising water, key access roads to interior villages are already showing signs of waterlogging, and the potential for full-scale flooding could lead to complete isolation of some hamlets. Locals are concerned that essential services such as food delivery, medical emergencies, and school transport may face disruption if the situation deteriorates.

Additionally, thousands of acres of farmland in the Ganga basin could be submerged if precautionary measures are not taken. The monsoon season is crucial for sowing kharif crops, and any flooding could significantly impact agricultural productivity in the region.

 Bijnor Barrage: The Tipping Point?

According to updates from the Bijnor barrage control room, more water is scheduled for release if rainfall continues in upstream regions of Uttarakhand. This could further elevate the Ganga water level in western UP, putting districts like Meerut, Amroha, and Bulandshahr on a possible flood watch as well.

The barrage, operating near capacity, is carefully monitoring flow rates and downstream effects. Officials say that Monday morning’s additional water release could push the Ganga to cross the 198.75 cm yellow alert mark, intensifying the threat of submersion in vulnerable zones.

 What Residents Should Know and Do

As the Ganga continues to rise, residents in at-risk areas are advised to:

• Move essential belongings to higher ground

• Avoid using submerged roads and bridges

• Monitor weather and flood updates from local administration

• Keep a go-bag with essentials like medicines, food, documents, and flashlight

• Maintain contact with village heads and emergency numbers

Local schools and community halls are being prepared to serve as temporary shelters if evacuation orders are issued.

As water levels in the Ganga River continue to rise rapidly in Hapur and nearby districts, the coming days will be critical. While a yellow alert has already been issued, the margin to flood danger level is narrowing quickly, and residents, as well as authorities, are on high alert.

With the monsoon showing no signs of slowing down, vigilance, preparedness, and timely administrative action will be key in mitigating potential losses. The hope remains that proactive planning will prevent any full-scale disaster — but nature’s course remains unpredictable.

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