Varanasi: Boat operations in Varanasi have been suspended again with an immediate effect from Sunday due to the continuous rise in the water level of river Ganga.On Monday, the river’s water level was recorded at 65.80 metres, with an increase at the rate of two centimetres per hour and a rainfall of 10.6 mm in last 24 hours.The administration has suspended boat movement on the Ganga until further orders, citing the safety of passengers and boatmen. Water police and related departments are closely monitoring the river conditions.Water Police in charge Sudhir Kumar Tripathi urged boatmen to strictly follow safety instructions and avoid entering the river unnecessarily. Officials said the safety of passengers and devotees remains the priority of the administration.A separate order will be issued to resume boat operations once the water level and river flow conditions improve. Until then, boatmen have been instructed not to take any risks. Water police teams are maintaining surveillance along the ghats and river areas.Meanwhile, rainfall in Varanasi brought relief from intense heat, making the weather pleasant and lowering temperatures. However, the steady rise in the Ganga’s water level has increased concern among boatmen and people living near the ghats. The administration has appealed to residents to remain alert and take precautions.
