Ganga on the Rise Again: Floodwaters Enter Ghats and Residential Areas in Varanasi

National News: The water level of the Ganga River in Varanasi is rising again after a short pause, creating serious concerns. The water is increasing at a rate of 5 centimeters per hour and may reach the warning level by midnight. By Friday afternoon, the rising water had already entered the water police booth at Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Ganga temple on the upper steps. Police quickly moved their belongings to a safer place.

Shops near Manikarnika Ghat were shut due to waterlogging in the narrow lanes. Boats are now being used to move around, and cremations are taking place on rooftops as water has covered the steps. A queue of bodies is forming for final rites.

The water level is approaching the danger mark

Floodwater is also entering the lanes around old Assi Ghat. The Subah-e-Banaras stage at the newly constructed Assi Ghat is now submerged underwater. Only eight steps are left before the water reaches the road. Water has reached the dome of an under-construction ghat and is flowing over the stairs near Judge House. Locals living near the river are packing their things to move to higher ground. At Harishchandra Ghat, last rites are already being done in nearby streets.

In just 20 hours, the water level of the Ganga has surged by 83 centimeters. It was 68.71 meters at 8 PM Thursday and rose to 69.20 meters by 8 AM Friday. By 4 PM, it had reached 69.54 meters.

A heavy, foul smell now lingers over the flooded regions

The flood-affected areas began to stink on Friday as the sun came out. The dirty water and garbage near the Varuna River drains made it hard to breathe. The municipal corporation has not yet sprayed any disinfectants. The floodwater from the Varuna River, pushed back by the Ganga, is now spreading to new areas through the drains.

Many homes have been flooded in Chamelia Basti, Pulkohana, and around the Salarpur railway line. People are struggling with the filth and the bad smell. Residents fear that diseases may spread if the sun continues to shine for a few more days without cleaning efforts. Similar situations are reported near Rasulgarh and Chhoti Masjid in Salarpur.

The strong water flow is causing a concern

Farmers in the Dhaba area are grappling with a fresh crisis. Due to the rising river, crops like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, and green fodder are being submerged. These crops were sown on low-lying fields close to the riverbanks.

Floodwater has also covered the roads to the Mustafabad sand cremation ground. The swift and forceful flow of water is raising serious concerns among both farmers and local residents. According to the sub-divisional magistrate, revenue department teams are visiting flood-prone villages. A shelter has been set up at Rampur Primary School, and local officials are working there to help affected families.