Varanasi, July 20 – The holy city of Varanasi is witnessing a concerning rise in the water level of the Ganga River, bringing flood-like conditions to the city’s riverside areas. With the water level rapidly approaching the warning threshold, several localities are now partially submerged, prompting swift action from local authorities.
Ganga River Inches Closer to Warning Mark
According to the Central Water Commission, the water level of the Ganga reached 70.13 meters on Sunday morning, just centimeters below the warning mark of 70.262 meters. The danger mark stands at 71.262 meters. The river is reportedly rising at a steady pace of approximately one centimeter per hour, raising fears of further inundation in the coming days.
Low-Lying Areas Affected, Hundreds Displaced
Floodwaters have significantly impacted the low-lying regions of Varanasi, particularly in and around the Ramnagar Tehsil and the banks of the Varuna River. Among the most affected neighborhoods are Salarpur, Saraiya, Nakkhighat, Dhelwaria, Daniyalpur, Hukulganj, and Badi Bazar.
As per the District Disaster Management Authority, 221 families have been displaced so far. Of these, 97 families (492 individuals) have taken shelter in relief camps, while 124 families (587 people) have moved to other safer locations. Out of the 46 designated relief shelters across the city, 10 are currently operational. These include facilities such as the Primary School in Salarpur, Madarsa Batlohiyan in Nakkhighat, Ram Janaki Temple in Dhelwaria, Deepti Convent School in Hukulganj, City Girls School in Badi Bazar, and Primary School in Rampur Dhaba.
Relief materials are being distributed to affected zones using 10 boats, ensuring food and basic supplies reach those in need.
Funeral Services Disrupted, Ganga Aarti Relocated
The surging Ganga has also disrupted religious rituals and daily life at the ghats. Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, renowned for cremation ceremonies, are heavily affected. With water inundating the approach lanes, boats are being used to transport bodies to the elevated platforms at Manikarnika Ghat. At Harishchandra Ghat, cremations are now being conducted within the flooded lanes.
Water has reached the steps of the Ganga Dwar at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, prompting authorities to strengthen security in the vicinity. The Jal Police station at Dashashwamedh Ghat is already submerged. At Assi Ghat, floodwaters have reached residential alleys, shifting the daily evening Ganga Aarti from the ghat steps into nearby streets.
Additional Flood-Affected Zones and Precautionary Measures
Other flood-prone areas include the under-construction ghat at Samne Ghat, now submerged, and Maruti Nagar Colony, where floodwaters have entered from the rear. In Sarnath’s Pulkohna region, rising Varuna River levels have caused drains to overflow, sending water into homes. Residents are vacating their homes and monitoring the situation from safer locations.
Administration Intensifies Monitoring and Relief Operations
The district administration, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Jal Police, Municipal Corporation, and Health Department, are operating in high-alert mode. Continuous surveillance of water levels is underway, and all relevant departments have been instructed to maintain maximum readiness.
Authorities have assured that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard lives and property, and rescue operations will continue in affected areas as needed.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official updates and publicly available sources. Readers are advised to verify details through the official website of the district administration or contact local authorities before making any decisions based on the content.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
