Ganga shows receding trend

VARANASI: The Ganga, which was on rise since last week, has started showing a receding trend in the region in middle division on Sunday. The water started receding in Phaphamau, Allahabad, Sitamarhi and Varanasi since Saturday morning.
According to the daily flood bulletin released by the Middle Ganga Division-3 of Central Water Commission (CWC) issued on Sunday, in Varanasi the water level of Ganga had increased up to 2.35 meters from July 29 to July 31, but within 24 hours the river receded up to 0.49 metre.
Similarly the river swelled up at Ballia, Mirzapur and Ghazipur during this period, but in last 24 hours the water level showed receding trend here also. Earlier on Saturday, while the water level was steady in Mirzapur, water level was seen rising in Ghazipur and Ballia.
On Sunday, the river was flowing at 80.52 mts in Phaphamau, 79.62 mts in Allahabad, 75.29 mts in Sitamarhi, 73.21 mts in Mirzapur, 68.30 mts in Varanasi, 61.79 mts in Ghazipur and 57.76 mts in Ballia.
Meanwhile, the decrease in water levels brought respite to locals living in areas along the river Ganga who had to leave their homes and move to safer places. As the water started receding in Ganga, decrease in water level of its tributary Varuna was also witnessed on Saturday. The residents of Nakkhighat, Teliana, Saraiyya along Varuna rivers, who were worst sufferers as water has made its way in the houses, also heaved a sigh of relief.