Saryu River flooding and erosion threaten homes in Barabanki

The Saryu River in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, has risen 49 centimeters above the danger mark due to continuous water release from Nepal, leading to severe flooding and riverbank erosion. The crisis is affecting hundreds of villages across the Ramnagar, Serauligauspur, and Ramsanehi Ghat tehsil areas.

In Hetmapur village within the Ramnagar tehsil, soil erosion has caused approximately 10 to 12 permanent houses to collapse into the river. Fearing further loss, residents have begun dismantling their own homes to salvage essential items such as bricks, doors, windows, and household goods.

Local residents have expressed frustration with the administration, alleging that despite significant annual spending on erosion prevention, effective measures like placing large stones to reinforce banks were not implemented in time. While the administration is providing meals to those affected, villagers remain deeply concerned about their long-term livelihoods and future security.