Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 22 (ANI): The water level of the Ganga River in Varanasi continues to rise steadily, reaching 68.74 metres, with the rising waters cutting off connectivity between all ghats.
According to the Central Water Commission report, the river is rising at a rate of 20 millimetres per hour. In view of the rising water level and to prevent any untoward incident, the district administration has banned the operation of all boats in the Ganga.
All small and big boats have been docked along the ghats, while the river has started taking a fierce form. Officials said if the water level continues to rise at the current pace, it could reach the danger mark soon.
The danger mark of the Ganga in Varanasi is 71.26 metres, which is only a few metres above the current water level.
This means the river is only around 2.52 metres below the danger level. However, continued rainfall and a sustained rise in the river could further worsen the situation along the ghats and adjoining low-lying areas.
According to the assessment cited locally, if the river continues to rise at the current pace, it could reach the danger mark within the next couple of days.
The rising water has already affected the traditional connectivity between Varanasi's ghats. Several pathways and stretches along the riverfront have been submerged, making movement between the ghats difficult.
The impact has also been visible at locations associated with the city's daily religious and cultural activities. The rising waters have affected arrangements around the sites where the Ganga Aarti is conducted, while cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat have been forced to move to higher ground.
The changing conditions have led to increased concern among residents, pilgrims and visitors, particularly those living close to the river and the low-lying areas surrounding the ghats.
Authorities are closely monitoring the river's water level as it continues to rise. The Central Water Commission's measurements are being used to track the pace of the increase and assess the possibility of the river approaching the danger mark.
The situation is particularly significant for Varanasi, where a large number of religious, cultural and livelihood activities are concentrated along the riverfront.
With the Ganga continuing to rise, people have been urged to remain cautious around the river and avoid entering flooded areas or venturing close to submerged stretches.
Further developments will depend on the rate at which the river level rises over the next 24 to 48 hours. If the current trend continues, authorities may have to intensify precautionary measures in vulnerable areas along the Varanasi riverfront. (ANI)
Boat services halted across Varanasi as Ganga swells, reaches 68.74 metres
