Varanasi: The Ganga in Varanasi neared the warning mark on Saturday, intensifying flood concerns along the riverfront and low-lying areas. At 8 am, the river was recorded at 69.15 metres, just 1.11 metres below the warning level of 70.26 metres, while the danger mark stands at 71.262 metres. Rising at around 1 cm per hour, the river has submerged all 86 ghats, with floodwater moving into adjoining lanes and low-lying localities.The rising Ganga has also swollen the Varuna river. In Salarpura, several houses have been flooded, with water reaching a depth of 3 to 4 feet. Several residents have left their homes and moved to flood shelters or rented accommodation in safer areas.Backflow from the Varuna has pushed water through drains into residential areas. Houses near the railway line in Salarpur and Pul Kohna have also been inundated, forcing residents to vacate their homes.Religious activities and cremation arrangements have been badly affected. At Namo Ghat, the lower portion below the main road is underwater, and the Namaste sculpture is half-submerged. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Ganga Aarti is being performed on the rooftop due to flooding.Cremations at Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats have also been disrupted. At Manikarnika Ghat, cremations are being carried out on the terrace, where only seven bodies can be cremated at a time, compared to the usual capacity of more than 20 across the lower and upper levels. At Harishchandra Ghat, cremations are taking place in nearby lanes, causing longer waiting times.Floodwater has entered the Maa Sheetla Temple premises at Sheetla Ghat, affecting worship and darshan. Authorities have stepped up surveillance around temples, ghats and riverbank areas.Police commissioner Mohit Agarwal and DM Satyendra Kumar inspected the Ganga and Varuna riverfronts, along with vulnerable low-lying areas, on Thursday. They reviewed the river’s water level, flow and waterlogging conditions through ground and waterway inspections.Officials have been directed to remain on alert and ensure flood-preparedness measures are in place. The administration said its priority is to protect residents in low-lying areas, maintain movement and keep essential services operational.
