The Yamuna River in Agra has reached a critical level, flowing just one foot below the official danger mark. With continuous rainfall in the hilly regions, the river’s water level is rising rapidly, increasing the risk of floods in low-lying areas. Authorities have issued flood alerts in multiple villages, warning residents to remain prepared. Standing crops in several agricultural fields have already been damaged, causing concern among local farmers.

Water Discharge Increased from Barrages

Persistent heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas has caused the Yamuna to swell beyond the danger mark in Mathura. In response, the discharge from the Gokul Barrage was increased from 50,000 cusecs to 75,467 cusecs. Additional water released from the Tajewala and Okhla Barrages has further contributed to the rising levels. As a result, several ghats in Agra, including Kailash Ghat, Balkeshwar Ghat, Hathi Ghat, and Dussehra Ghat, are now submerged. At the Water Works measurement point, the river level has reached 494 feet. The flood warning level in Agra is set at 495 feet, and officials expect further rise over the coming days.

Threat to 38 Villages in Fatehabad and Bah

Flood control authorities have identified 38 villages in the Fatehabad and Bah regions as being at risk. These areas are known to be vulnerable due to their low-lying locations along the riverbanks. As water from the Gokul Barrage moves downstream, it is flooding fields and submerging access roads. The district administration has confirmed that all necessary preparations have been made to handle potential evacuations and to ensure the safety of residents.

Villagers on High Alert

In Bah’s Terai region, villages such as Rampur Chandraseni, Balai, Sunsar, Bithauli, Vikrampur Ghat, Charitha, Garhi Barauli, and Bag Gudiyana are on high alert. These locations are usually the first to experience flooding when the Yamuna swells. Villagers are closely monitoring the water level, and many are taking precautionary measures to protect their belongings and livestock. District officials have assured the public that round-the-clock monitoring is in place and assistance will be provided wherever needed.

Low-Lying Areas Begin to Flood

The sloping geography of Agra means that water flows quickly from the city toward Fatehabad and Bah. With increased discharge from the barrage, water has started to enter low-lying settlements. Riverbank farms are now submerged, with crops standing under several inches of water. Thirty-five villages in Fatehabad and Bah have been affected so far. At Bateshwar, rising waters have submerged the women’s bathing area at the ghat. In response, the pilgrimage site’s trust and the administration have issued warnings urging devotees not to descend the steps for river bathing until conditions improve.

Farmers Suffer Heavy Crop Losses

The water level in the Yamuna has been climbing steadily since Saturday night, inundating large tracts of farmland. In Fatehabad’s villages such as Pinnapura, Nagariya Baripura, Sikarara, Nari, Bholpura, Bamrauli, Kasiaya, Dharapura, Charrapura, Shahidpur, Rehawali, Silawali, Ai, Swara, and Dhanaula Khurd, as well as in Sadar tehsil’s Mehra, Naharganj, Nurpur, Tanaura, and Samogar, standing crops are submerged. Local farmer Ram Sanehi from Dharapura reported that his two bighas of millet have been completely destroyed. His pump set, essential for irrigation, has also been lost under the floodwaters.

Administrative Preparedness and Response

The district magistrate has confirmed that the administration is fully alert and prepared for any emergency. Relief teams are on standby with essential supplies, and evacuation plans have been drawn up for vulnerable areas. Boats, rescue equipment, and temporary shelters have been arranged to ensure quick response if conditions worsen. Continuous communication is being maintained with flood control rooms and barrage authorities to monitor discharge rates and forecast river level changes.

With further rainfall expected in upstream regions, the water level in the Yamuna is likely to rise. Flood control officials have cautioned that even a small increase could push the river above the danger mark in Agra. Farmers and residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant and follow official instructions. The administration is appealing for public cooperation to ensure safety and minimize damage.