3,500 living along Narmada shifted

Swirling waters seven feet above danger mark at Golden Bridge

As many as 3,500 people, apart from 3,300 cattleheads, living in low-lying areas along Narmada in Bharuch,Jhagadia and Ankleshwar talukas have been shifted to safer places. Swirling water of the river touched 31.66 feet, seven feet above the danger mark, at Golden Bridge in Bharuch at 7 pm on Tuesday. At Garudeshwar, the level was 100.85 feet against danger mark of 102 feet.

Narmada is expected to touch 33 feet at Golden Bridge by Wednesday morning but its level at Garudeshwar is steady. Warning messages have been sent to all villages situated along the river.

Sixteen relief camps have been opened and more than 15,000 food packets are being provided to affected people. The district collectorate has made all arrangements for shifting people from areas likely to be affected in case the river rises further due to torrential rains in catchment areas in Madhya Pradesh. The Central Water Coin-mission is in touch with MP and the state irrigation department officials.

Relief operations are being conducted by Bharuch district collector BB Swan. Adequate number of boats has been sent to rescue teams in Ankleshwar and Jhagadia talukas. All residents of hutments around Golden Bridge have been shifted to safer places.

Joint secretary (revenue) SN Dave said that all low-lying areas in Broach, Jhagadia and Ankleshwar talukas are affected by the Narmada water.

Over 700 people have been evacuated from Sarfuddin and Juna Borbhatha villages, besides Khapalia area, in Ankleshwar taluka. In Jhagadia taluka, 500 people have been evacuated from Tarsali Juna Tofidira, Aur, Padhar, Juni Jarsadi and Juna Pora areas.

In Broach town, a large number of people have been shifted from Bamania Ovara, Nikora Bet and Tavda Bet. Foorja Road and other low-lying areas in the town are likely to be affected.

Broach collectorate sources said that many voluntary organisations have come forward to provide food packets and other essential items to people living in relief camps at various places. Police and revenue staff have been posted at entry point of Golden Bridge to prevent any untoward incident.

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Compiled from Local news media