The sacred city of Vrindavan, revered as the earthly abode of Lord Krishna, is grappling with a severe crisis as the Yamuna River swells to unprecedented levels,吞噬家园和生计. Thousands of residents find their lives upended, their homes submerged, and their daily routines shattered by the relentless force of the river.
The Yamuna's surge, triggered by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and the release of water from barrages like the Tajewala and Hathini Kund, has pushed the river far above the danger mark. The floodwaters have infiltrated colonies, ghats, and narrow streets, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Bhakti Vihar, Ghanshyam Vatika, Shri Ji Vatika, and Kesav Nagar are among the worst-hit areas, with temples and homes surrounded by water, rendering movement arduous.
The rising waters have forced the administration to shut down several ghats, including the revered Keshi Ghat and Devaraha Baba Ghat, to ensure public safety. The usually bustling ghats, central to the spiritual life of Vrindavan, now lie submerged, with barricades erected to prevent accidents. The closure of these ghats has disrupted daily rituals and the influx of devotees, casting a shadow over the city's vibrant religious atmosphere.
The impact extends beyond the urban areas, with over a dozen villages transformed into isolated islands, their crops destroyed, and livelihoods jeopardized. Farmers face immense losses as standing crops of paddy, millet, sorghum, and vegetables are submerged, adding to their economic woes. The disruption of road connectivity has further isolated these rural communities, hindering access to essential supplies and services.
The administration has declared a high alert in Mathura and Vrindavan, initiating rescue and relief operations on a large scale. Over 1,500 people have been rescued by boats and relocated to safer shelters, with emergency teams working around the clock to prevent accidents. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh has assured that every affected person is being shifted to secure places, with arrangements for food and water. Twenty-five shelter homes have been established and are functioning at full capacity.
However, the scale of the disaster is immense, and challenges remain in providing adequate relief and support to all those affected. Many families are reluctant to leave their homes for fear of theft and loss of belongings, while shortages of drinking water and prolonged power cuts exacerbate their suffering. The floodwaters have also reached temples, including Dharamraj Mandir, and several spots along the Vrindavan parikrama route, further disrupting religious life.
As the Yamuna continues to swell, the residents of Vrindavan are left to grapple with the devastating consequences, their lives intertwined with the fate of the sacred river. The administration is working to provide relief and support, but the road to recovery will be long and arduous. The fury of the Yamuna serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of floods in vulnerable regions.