Haridwar on alert as Ganga crosses warning level

The water level of the Ganga in Haridwar crossed the warning threshold on Monday following incessant rainfall, raising fears of flooding in low-lying areas. Officials said the river is already 10 cm above the warning level and continues to rise, prompting the administration to urge residents near floodplains to remain vigilant.Authorities cautioned that if the water level increases further, villages along the Ganga could face flooding, with houses and farmlands at risk of submergence. Relief and rescue personnel have been placed on high alert to respond swiftly to any emergency.
According to Irrigation Department SDO Bharat Bhushan Sharma, administrations of all districts downstream have been contacted and are being regularly updated on water levels. “We are closely monitoring the situation and sharing data with concerned authorities,” he said.Meanwhile,persistent heavy rains have already caused disruptions in daily life across Haridwar. Rivers and streams are overflowing in several locations, while parts of the city have reported waterlogging with water levels reaching 2–3 feet.The impact of flooding has also been felt in nearby areas. In Alavalpur village, a crematorium was washed away after the Solani river swelled beyond capacity under the force of strong currents.The district administration has urged people living in low-lying and riverbank areas to stay alert and avoid venturing close to water bodies. Officials said rescue boats, evacuation teams, and emergency shelters are being prepared in case the situation worsens.With rains expected to continue in the coming days, the administration remains on standby to tackle possible flooding and ensure the safety of residents.