Mathura, Vrindavan hit by rising Yamuna

The flood situation in Mathura and Vrindavan turned grim on Sunday as the rising water level of the Yamuna inundated residential colonies and nearby villages.

- BISWAJEET BANERJEE

Water entered large parts of Laxminagar's Tiwari Puram colony and half a dozen adjoining villages, leaving roads flooded and movement disrupted.

In villages such as Isapur and Hansganj, water levels rose up to seven to eight feet, submerging houses up to the first floor. District ChandraMagistrate prakash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar had to rely on tractors to reach the floodhit areas. Several colonies in Vrindavan are now completely submerged, forcing the administration to carry out rescue operations and shift residents to relief camps.

However, many families continue to refuse evacuation. Residents said they fear losing their lifetime savings and household belongings if they abandon their homes.

Mohan, a resident of Shyam Kuti colony, said he and others stayed back despite rising water because they feared theft. "We built these homes with blood and sweat.