As flood threat looms, UP officials conduct 'puja' on banks of Saryu

With the water level of the Saryu river crossing the danger mark, irrigation officials in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district were seen offering prayers at the river banks for the safety of the villagers. Locals however, accused the officials of not getting the necessary flood prevention work done in time.

Basti (Uttar Pradesh): With several regions of Uttar Pradesh's Basti district reeling under the threat of floods, officials from the irrigation department were seen performing a puja for the safety of villagers.

The officials reportedly got a priest and performed the pujaon the banks of the Saryu river near the Bagha Nala village.

Among the officials present were Gandak Flood Circle's Superintending Engineer Avnish Sahu, Executive Engineer Dinesh Kumar, and Assistant Engineer Gyaandhar.

However, locals feel that the officials did not carry out the necessary work in advance for prevention of floods and are now praying to the almighty.

"Did the government pass tenders worth crores of rupees only for conducting prayers," a local questioned.

Echoing similar views, Harish Singh, the representative of an MLC said, "Crores of rupees have been spent. Dams and embankments must be strengthened, and boulder pitching must be done. But officials are conducting prayers? Who will be responsible when the flood comes?"

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However, officials said that they had already taken preventive measures, and were only offering prayers for the well-being of the villagers.

"We just offered prayers for the safety and well-being of the villagers. But our work comes foremost. We have done sufficient work in the district. Even though over three lakh cusecs of water has been released, there is no problem," said Avnish Sahu.

"Yes, flooding happens. It is a natural process. But nowhere has any embankment collapsed in the district," Sahu claimed.

This comes even as Basti region is facing the prospect of severe floods, with the water levels in the Saryu river raging above the danger mark. As on Monday evening, the water level was measured at 92.90 metres, which is 12 centimetres above the danger mark.

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