Mumbai, September 2: In Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, the rising and falling water levels of the Saryu (Ghaghara) River have intensified the challenges faced by local residents. The river is eroding land from the banks, particularly affecting the Terai region of Ramnagar Tehsil. Areas from Hetmapur to Kedaripur in the Suratganj block are witnessing significant erosion, with permanent homes now at risk. Residents are being forced to dismantle their houses, salvaging bricks and essential materials to protect them from the encroaching river.
The swift current has already swallowed large swathes of fertile land and crops. The latest reports indicate that the rate of erosion near Kedaripur and Hetmapur has heightened concerns among villagers. Hundreds of acres of crops have been lost to the river due to this erosion.
In Kedaripur, villagers are hurriedly gathering their belongings to save their homes. Some have begun removing bricks from their houses, while others are harvesting their crops prematurely to secure them. Although the crops are not fully matured, residents fear that if the river continues its destructive path, they will lose everything. At the very least, they hope to use the harvested crops as fodder for their livestock.
Monu Kumar Shukla, a resident of Kedaripur, expressed his distress over his rice crop investment, which is now threatened by the advancing erosion. With a family of 12-13 members, he is worried about both his home and his harvest. He noted that there seems to be a lack of adequate measures from the administration to prevent further erosion.
Elderly villagers have voiced their concerns as well, stating that the river’s current is relentlessly eroding their land. The measures taken to combat erosion are proving ineffective against the strong current. With homes now at risk, fear is spreading among the community.
Miru Shukla mentioned that while they are dismantling their solid homes to save their belongings, they are left wondering where to go next. The land provided by the administration is near a drain, making it unsuitable for settling families. This situation has raised significant concerns about housing, especially with the impending rains.
Additional District Magistrate Nirankar Singh stated that the fluctuating water levels of the river create conditions for erosion at certain locations. Ramnagar and Ramsanehi Ghat Tehsils are flood-affected areas, and the current water levels are near danger marks. In light of the erosion threat near populated areas in Hetmapur, relevant officials have been given necessary directives.
It is noteworthy that the water level of the Ghaghara River recently approached danger levels. Reports from September 1 indicated that the river had risen above danger marks at the Elgin Bridge, influenced by water released from dams. The fluctuations in water levels have resulted in increased erosion in several areas.
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