Barabanki, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : In Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, the Ghaghara River continues to wreak havoc, even as its water levels show slight signs of decline. The situation in Hetmapur village is becoming increasingly dire, with the river’s swift currents engulfing homes one by one. Residents are witnessing their houses crumble before their eyes, while others mourn the loss of their life savings swept away by the relentless flow.
The most immediate concern now lies with the famous Shri Baba Narayan Das temple and a nearby mosque, both of which are under severe threat from the encroaching waters. Residents feel helpless as the erosion progresses unchecked, while local authorities scramble to mitigate the devastation.
Currently, the Ghaghara is flowing approximately 14 centimeters above the danger mark, with its current remaining perilous. The relentless erosion has led to multiple homes being consumed by the river. Some villagers have managed to salvage their belongings, while others are forced to dismantle their homes to save at least some possessions.
This catastrophic scene has deeply shaken the local community. The rising waters are now perilously close to the Shri Baba Narayan Das temple, raising alarm among villagers. The mosque adjacent to the temple also faces the threat of erosion.
Predicting where the river might strike next is nearly impossible, as land erodes rapidly, swallowing homes whole. Frustration is palpable among residents, who are demanding effective measures from the administration to prevent further erosion. In response, district officials are mobilizing resources to combat the crisis. Flood control officers and staff are working tirelessly on-site, while the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) monitors the situation closely.
The administration’s primary goal is to prevent the dangerous currents of the Ghaghara from reaching populated areas and religious sites. SDM Aakanksha Gupta reported that food is being provided to flood-affected individuals. Financial assistance is also being arranged for those whose homes have been damaged, and temporary housing is being set up for those who have lost their homes to the river’s erosion. So far, at least ten permanent structures have been lost to the water. Although the river’s water level has decreased, the threat of erosion persists, and the flood control department is actively working to address it.
Gupta reassured villagers, urging them not to panic. She emphasized that the administration is making every effort to halt the erosion. If homes are damaged, assistance will be provided. Measures are in place to protect both the temple and the mosque, with significant efforts underway to minimize damage. This is the first time in nearly two decades that the river has encroached upon the village.
Local flood victim Sunita expressed her despair, stating, “The home where I was born and raised is now gone, swept away by the Ghaghara. The authorities seem indifferent, promising action only after the embankment breaks. Due to neglect, four people have died in our village. The government should provide us with land and funds to rebuild our homes.”
Another resident, Shatrughna, remained hopeful, saying, “Even though the river has reached the temple and mosque, it will not fall. They are protected by divine grace. Both structures are quite old and have weathered many storms.”
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