Varanasi: Cremations continued to be carried out on rooftop platforms at Manikarnika Ghat and in the narrow lanes opposite Harishchandra Ghat in the city on Wednesday, even as the water level of the Ganga remained stable after showing signs of receding earlier this week.The flood has affected all 84 ghats, including the prominent cremation sites of Manikarnika and Harishchandra, where steps and lower platforms remain under water.According to the bulletin issued by the Central Water Commission, the Ganga’s water level in Varanasi was recorded at 67.97 metres at 8am on Wednesday. The river has remained stable for the past two days after receding on August 23 and 24. The warning level is 70.262 metres, while the danger mark is 71.262 metres. At present, the water level is about 2.29 metres below the warning level.Despite the river flowing below the warning level, flooding at the ghats has significantly disrupted cremation arrangements. People associated with cremation work said that on normal days, around 50 bodies can be cremated simultaneously across the available platforms. During the flood, however, the number of funeral pyres that can burn at the same time has fallen to just eight to 10.As a result, families bringing bodies for the last rites are being forced to wait for three to four hours. The reduced space has also created difficulties in managing movement around the cremation areas, particularly in the congested lanes near Harishchandra Ghat.The rise in the water level has also affected the storage and supply of firewood used for cremations. With the lower platforms submerged, stocks of wood have had to be shifted to safer locations, further complicating arrangements at the cremation grounds.Temples situated along the ghats have also been inundated, with floodwater entering several riverfront structures. The submerged steps have restricted access for devotees, priests, residents and workers who depend on the ghats for their daily activities.In view of the flood situation, the local administration has already banned boat operations from August 10. The restriction was imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during the period of high water levels.Although the Ganga is currently stable and below the warning level, normal activity along the ghats remains affected. Cremations will continue from elevated spots and nearby lanes until the floodwater recedes sufficiently and the traditional cremation platforms become usable again, officials said.
