2025.08.19 (Vrindavan Today News): Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and the subsequent release of water from the Hathini Kund Barrage have pushed the Yamuna River close to the danger mark in Mathura, sending alarm across riverside settlements and the cultural heartland of Vrindavan. Authorities have imposed strict curbs on river navigation, activated flood relief systems, and placed affected areas on high alert as the water continues to rise.
Nearly 178,000 cusecs of water was discharged from the Hathini Kund Barrage over a 24-hour period, later reduced to 119,000 cusecs. This massive release has now reached Mathura, causing the Yamuna to swell at an alarming rate. Despite increased discharge from the Gokul Barrage—where over 83,720 cusecs was released towards Agra on Monday evening—the water level continues to climb. Simultaneously, Delhi’s Okhla Barrage discharged 79,657 cusecs around the same time.
At Prayag Ghat in Mathura, the river has risen 61 centimeters above the warning level of 165.20 meters and now flows at 165.81 meters—just 19 centimeters below the official danger mark of 166 meters. Officials warn the level could cross the red line overnight.
Fields Submerged, Villages Threatened
The rising Yamuna has already inundated farmlands in refinery regions, with three villages—Koyla Alipur, Damodarpur, and Aurangabad—reporting three to four feet of water in their fields. Crops stand submerged, intensifying farmers’ worries. Similar flood-like conditions have emerged in low-lying areas of the Sadar tehsil.
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, after inspecting the affected Nauh Jheel region, confirmed that the administration is fully prepared. “Flood posts are active, revenue and irrigation departments are on alert, food and drinking supplies have been arranged, and schools, colleges, and dharmashalas are ready to host evacuees. Fodder for cattle, boats, steamers, and trained divers are all in place,” Singh assured.
Currently, 39 flood posts and 25 shelter homes have been established across Mathura. Police have imposed restrictions on river navigation and closed several routes, including the Nauh Jheel–Shergarh road, now submerged. The only road linking Nagla Akos village in Baldev has been cut off, forcing authorities to deploy steamers for residents’ movement.
Sacred Ghats and Parikrama Paths Submerged
The rising water has also disrupted religious life in Vrindavan. The Iconic Keshi Ghat is submerged, and large portions of the adjoining parikrama path are under water. Authorities have barricaded access from Shringarvat to Keshi Ghat, preventing pilgrims from entering.
In Mathura, the Sacred pilgrimage of Vishram Ghat, famous for its evening aarti, now stands encircled by floodwaters. Both sides of the Gokul Barrage are submerged, while in Vrindavan, devotees have been barred from Keshi Ghat for safety reasons.
Residents of colonies near the floodplain (khadar area) are gripped by fear. “If the water rises further during the night, our colonies will surely be flooded. Our problems will multiply in darkness,” one anxious resident remarked.
Administrative Vigilance
ADM (Finance) Pankaj Kumar Verma confirmed that flood-affected crops are being surveyed for compensation. “Flood posts are active, PAC and disaster teams are on standby, and we are keeping 24-hour watch. Once the Yamuna peaks around the danger mark, a gradual decline in water level is expected,” he stated.
Meanwhile, District Magistrate Singh and SSP Shlok Kumar inspected the flood post in Dangoli village, Mant tehsil. They reviewed the availability of essential rescue equipment and instructed regular inspections by sub-divisional magistrates and revenue officers. Village heads, secretaries, and patwaris have been tasked with ensuring quality surveys of submerged crops and timely relocation of families from water-logged houses to safer shelters.
With relentless rain in the hills and barrages upstream continuing to release water, Mathura and Vrindavan remain on edge. For now, all eyes are on the Yamuna’s rising current, as authorities brace for the possibility of the river crossing the danger threshold overnight—threatening not just farms and villages, but also the cultural and spiritual sanctuaries of India’s Krishna heartland.
