Kanpur, August 23, 2025 – Heavy rainfall has pushed the Ganga River to dangerous levels, causing a flood-like situation in over a dozen villages across Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. As of August 22, the river’s water level at the Kanpur Barrage reached 114.58 meters, surpassing the danger mark of 114 meters, according to local officials. This has left thousands of residents struggling with flooded homes, ruined crops, and disrupted lives.
Villages like Chainpurwa, Bharatpurwa, and those near Bithoor are the hardest hit, with water levels reaching up to six feet in some areas. Roads connecting at least eight villages have been submerged, forcing people to use boats or wade through water to get around. “Our crops are gone, sugarcane, paddy, everything,” said a farmer from Chainpurwa, who estimates losses of Rs 20,000. Over 1,000 bighas of farmland have been destroyed, leaving farmers worried about how they’ll recover.
The district administration has stepped in with relief efforts. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are patrolling affected areas, rescuing stranded families and moving them to safer spots. Relief camps have been set up, and on August 22, the District Magistrate and Sadar MLA distributed essentials like flour, rice, and tarpaulins to 110 families in Shuklaganj. “We’re doing everything we can to help,” the DM said, noting that medical teams are also spraying medicines and vaccinating animals to prevent disease outbreaks.
The rising waters, caused by heavy rain in UP and Uttarakhand, have also affected nearby districts like Unnao and Prayagraj. Authorities have opened barrage gates to release excess water, but this has worsened flooding downstream. Farmers with crop insurance under the Fasal Beema Yojana may get some relief, but many are still waiting for officials to assess their losses.
Residents are frustrated but hopeful. “We need faster help and better planning to stop this every year,” said a local. With more rain forecast, Kanpur’s villagers brace for tough days ahead, hoping for quick government action to ease their burden.
