Patna, Aug 29 (IANS) The water level of Ganga river in Patna has begun to recede gradually, bringing some relief to the residents. However, the flood situation has not returned to normal, with water remaining stagnant in several low-lying and riverside areas.
Floodwaters have affected hundreds of shops along JP Ganga Path, popularly known as the Marine Drive, causing losses to the local traders.
According to the Flood Control Department, the Ganga’s water level at Maner fell by 16 cm in the past 24 hours to 52.12 metres.
Despite the decline, it remains 12 cm above the danger mark of 52 metres.
At Digha Ghat, the water level was also recorded at around 52.12 metres, keeping it close to the danger level.
At Gandhi Ghat, the water level has declined by around 30 cm over the past three days but remains at 49.28 metres, which is 68 cm above the danger mark of 48.60 metres.
The impact of the high Ganga water level is particularly visible around JP Ganga Path.
Near Digha Ghat, floodwater has reportedly moved around 500 metres inland, affecting more than 500 roadside stalls.
Many shopkeepers have been forced to move their carts and merchandise to safer locations.
Several traders have reported losses after their goods were submerged, while others are looking for alternative places to continue their businesses.
The Patna Municipal Corporation has said that no specific instructions have so far been issued regarding the affected Marine Drive vendors.
Water has also remains accumulated in the riverside areas of Danapur, although the gradual fall in the river level is helping the water drain away.
The situation in Bakhtiyarpur is reported to be normal, while a slight rise in the Ganga has been observed in Mokama.
Officials said the situation there remains under control. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the Son and Punpun rivers as well.
At Koilwar, the Son river level was recorded at 52.80 metres, significantly below its danger mark of 55.52 metres, with the water level continuing to recede.
At Sripalpur, the Punpun river stood at 49.10 metres, around 1.50 metres below its danger mark of 50.60 metres.
With water level rising at Kinjar in Arwal, this prompted authorities to maintain vigilance in the low-lying areas of Southern Patna.
–IANS
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