Vrindavan – Rising water levels in the Yamuna River have turned into a major threat for Vrindavan residents and devotees. Water released from the Hathni Kund barrage has intensified the river’s flow, flooding large parts of the holy town.
The swelling Yamuna has forced the administration to suspend the Panchkosi Parikrama, which was scheduled to take place on Ekadashi. The revered pilgrimage route is submerged with knee-deep water, making it unsafe for devotees. Authorities said the event will remain postponed until further notice.
Floodwater has now entered dozens of colonies, after earlier affecting only the lower areas. Streets leading to Kalidah, Bihari Ji, and KC Ghat are waterlogged, while several houses in adjoining colonies have been vacated. Residents shifted their belongings to safer places, with the civic body setting up temporary shelters.
In a precautionary move, the administration has banned all boat operations on the Yamuna. City Magistrate Abhivan Jain and CO Sadar Sandeep Singh personally inspected KC Ghat and instructed boatmen to halt services. The ghats have also been closed to devotees.
The power department has cut supply in flood-hit areas to prevent accidents. Officials confirmed that water has disrupted electricity in parts of Kalidah Marg, Shyam Nagar, Mohini Nagar, Cheer Ghat, Govind Ghat, Keshav Nagar, and Brahmarishi Vatika.
Meanwhile, the district education authorities have announced a two-day holiday for all schools up to Class 12, both government and private, until September 4. Officials said the safety of children is the top priority, as movement in waterlogged areas is risky. Parents have been urged to keep children indoors and away from flooded zones, with more rainfall forecast in the coming days.
