Gomti River Swelling Disrupts Connectivity in Ghazipur, Affecting Farmland Access

The pontoon bridge at Mehndi Ghat became inaccessible as the Gomti River swelled, pushing the structure toward the riverbank. This disruption affects over 1 lakh residents across more than 15 localities in Ghazipur, including those whose commutes to hospitals and schools relied on the bridge. For Naresh, whose farmland is located in Faizullaganj, the river issues mean he must rely on boat access or an 8-10 km detour to reach his crops.

The river issues have increased travel times and costs for the affected communities. For residents, the reliance on boats, which cost about Rs 20 per ride, is often subject to long waits. The rising water levels, which reached 351 feet at Gau Ghat, are causing waterlogging that complicates agricultural access and business operations in the area.