Saryu River erosion destroys homes and religious sites in Barabanki

Severe riverbank erosion caused by the Saryu River in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh has destroyed several structures and homes. Following three days of continuous rainfall, the river's water level rose rapidly, leading to intense erosion in the Hetmapur area of the Ramnagar tehsil.

Reports indicate that a 150-year-old mosque and a Shankarji temple have already been swept away by the current. Local residents fear that the ancient Baba Narayan Das temple, which is approximately 1,100 years old, is now at imminent risk of being lost to the river. Between 40 and 50 houses have reportedly been swallowed by the water, forcing many families to abandon their properties and move to safer locations.

In addition to residential and religious structures, a local veterinary hospital has been affected, with its boundary wall collapsing into the river and the building being evacuated. While local administration officials, including the SDM and Tehsildar, have attempted to mitigate the damage using boulders and sandbags, the strength of the current has rendered these efforts largely ineffective. Residents have expressed frustration, citing delays in administrative intervention as a reason for the escalating destruction.