Thaindian News

Lucknow, June 24 (IANS) With monsoon getting delayed in Uttar Pradesh, several rivers in the state have started showing a receding trend in their water levels, officials said Wednesday.
“If intense heat conditions continue to prevail in UP (Uttar Pradesh) and the monsoon fails to arrive on its expected date June 30, the water supply and hydro-power generation may get adversely affected,” an official of the irrigation department said.

According to a report by the Central Water Commission, the water level of Ganga is declining in various districts of the state.

In Varanasi, Allahabad, Ballia, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Kannauj, and Kanpur Dehat (rural), the water level of Ganga has lowered by 3.22 metres to 14.77 metres.

Likewise, the water level in Ramganga river in various parts of districts including Moradabad and Bareilly has also declined by 3.16 metres-5.32 metres.

Sharda, Ghagra and Gomti rivers are also witnessing a decline in their water levels, the report said.

“We are hopeful that the monsoon would arrive by June 30. However, any further delay in the arrival of monsoon would lead to severe problems in irrigation with the water level of rivers declining,” Principal Secretary for Irrigation Harminder Raj Singh told IANS.

Delay in monsoon is also likely to affect the hydro-power generation at Rihand Dam in Mirazpur district.

“Yes, it’s true water level in the Rihand river is also decreasing. However, the situation is still not alarming. But, if such a condition continues to prevail, hydro-power generation can get adversely affected,” Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPC) chairman Navneet Sehgal told IANS.

According to officials, there is a requirement of about 9,000 megawatts in the state during the peak hours but presently the government is able to provide only 7,700 megawatts power.