Prayagraj, June 30 -- Owing to widespread rainfall across various parts of the state and the continuous release of water from three barrages - Haridwar, Kanpur, and Narora - the water levels of both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have begun rising rapidly.

In the past 24 hours, the water levels of both rivers have increased by over a meter. Teerth purohits (pilgrimage priests) and vendors selling puja items at the Sangam were caught by surprise on Saturday night when rising river water submerged their temporary huts and stalls, causing damage to furniture, religious items, and other goods meant for sale.

When the teerth purohits arrived at the Sangam area on Sunday morning, they were shocked to find their huts underwater. Most of the puja ...