In Barabanki, the Saryu River is flowing 49 centimeters above the danger mark. In Hetmapur, 10–12 houses have been swallowed by the river due to erosion, and hundreds of villages are affected.
उप्र: बाराबंकी में सरयू नदी का कहर, पानी में समा रहे घर, सैकड़ों गांव प्रभावित, खतरे के निशान से 47 सेमी ऊपर बह रही
The crisis of flooding and riverbank erosion has intensified in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, due to the rising water level of the Saryu River. Driven by the continuous release of water from Nepal, the river is flowing 49 centimeters above the danger mark. In Hetmapur village of Ramnagar Tehsil, the erosion is so severe that houses situated along the riverbank are collapsing into the water one by one. Reports indicate that 10 to 12 houses have already been swallowed by the Saryu so far.
Hundreds of villages affected by floods and erosion
According to villagers, the river water is steadily encroaching upon their homes as the water level rises. Hundreds of villages across the Ramnagar, Sirauli Gauspur, and Ramsanehi Ghat Tehsil areas are affected. The escalating soil erosion in Hetmapur has posed a challenge for residents trying to save their homes. Panic has gripped the villagers as concrete houses continue to collapse into the river one after another.
The situation has become so dire that many have all but given up hope of saving their homes. Villagers are dismantling their concrete houses themselves to salvage bricks, doors, windows, tin sheds, and essential household items, hoping to save at least some of their belongings.
Threat to both homes and livelihoods
Shyamu, a villager, explained that he supports his family of eight by running a small sweet shop near the temple. Due to the worsening erosion, his home is no longer safe, creating a crisis for both his family’s shelter and their livelihood. He expressed uncertainty about when the river might reach right up to his doorstep.
Meanwhile, Raju alleges that the erosion could have been prevented if timely action had been taken. He believes that his house might have been saved had robust protective measures—such as the installation of large boulders—been implemented. According to him, while officials visited the site, no effective measures were put in place. Raju mentioned that although the administration is currently providing two meals a day, anxiety regarding his home and future persists. Villagers question the administration’s arrangements.
Villagers state that floods occur annually and crores of rupees are spent on measures to prevent soil erosion; yet, when the floods strike, they are left to fend for themselves to save their lives and livelihoods. Anxiety is mounting among residents of the affected areas as the water level of the Saryu river continues to rise and erosion persists.
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