Varanasi: The water level of the Ganga in Varanasi rose to 66.72 metres on Tuesday, with the river flowing just 3.54 metres below the warning level and rising at around 4cm per hour. The rise has triggered flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas and affected activities along the ghats.The rising Ganga has also pushed up the water level of the Varuna, resulting in flood-like conditions in parts of Salarpur in Sarnath. Several houses along the Varuna were inundated on Monday, forcing residents to move to safer locations or rented accommodation nearby.Residents said water entered their houses suddenly. Near the old bridge at Pul Kohna, water has reached the thresholds of houses located close to the drain, causing concern among residents.With the Ganga water level rising, arrangements for Ganga Aarti and cremation have been shifted to higher locations. The Aarti at Assi Ghat is now being held near the Subah-e-Banaras stage, while arrangements at Dashashwamedh and Rajendra Prasad Ghats have also been shifted.Cremation arrangements at Harishchandra and Manikarnika Ghats have similarly been moved due to rising water. At Manikarnika Ghat, cremations are currently being conducted on the rooftop area.ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi said boat operations had been suspended until further orders as a precautionary measure, particularly with large numbers of devotees arriving in Varanasi during the ongoing Shravan month. He said a decision on resuming boat operations would be taken after the water level and river flow return to normal.Boatmen have been directed to strictly follow instructions issued by the Water Police and NDRF through public announcements.Deep-water barrica`ding has been installed across the ghats and continuous announcements are being made advising devotees not to enter deep water. Authorities said all necessary safety measures had been put in place to prevent any untoward incident.
