The Ganga River is swollen at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, as many small temples along the ghats of the city are submerged. The constant flow of the river is alarming local authorities, and they are taking precautions in the wake of the situation.
Visuals from the riverfront show floodwaters gradually covering steps leading to the ghats, while shrines and small temples close to the riverbank have gone underwater. The annual rise in the Ganga during monsoon season is a familiar phenomenon in Varanasi, but the pace of the current increase has raised vigilance.
VIDEO | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Water level of Ganga River rising rapidly. Small temples along the ghats submerged.#Varanasi #GangaRiver
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(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/cyCzBWREJD
We have advised all citizens, devotees and tourists to be cautious when visiting the ghats, officials say. Barricades have been erected in sensitive places, and water levels are kept under watchful eye around the clock in case of heavy rainfall so water levels are raised and if the river continues to rise.
The ghats of Varanasi are not only major places of religious attractions but also are alive with cultural and spiritual activity. In a single day, thousands of pilgrims come to the river for rituals, take holy dips, and pray. As water levels rise, access to some of the ghats is restricted to ensure the safety of the visitors.
Boat operators in the area must also adhere to safety guidelines, and local authorities are monitoring river traffic, it says. Depending on the water level and flow conditions, it may be that boats may be restricted in certain sections of the river.
The rising water level also has affected daily life on the riverfront in a big way. Vendors, priests and local businesses that operate near the lower steps of the ghats have begun moving their belongings to safer ground. Meanwhile, civic teams are keeping an eye on the area to prevent accidents and help people in the most vulnerable areas.
The India Meteorological Department is predicting continued rainfall in parts of Uttar Pradesh to keep the Ganga water level rising, and officials are monitoring upstream water releases to assess the flood risk.
Despite the temporary disruptions, the monsoon season is still a part of Ganga’s natural cycle. Year after year, the riverfront changes with higher water levels, submerging smaller structures close to the banks before receding after the rains.
Emergency response teams are on high alert, and district authorities have advised people not to enter flooded areas or cross the flooded ghats. People living in low-lying parts have also been advised to stay updated through official news and keep up with the safety advice from the government.
As the river starts to rise, officials will monitor the water level in the next few days. But the primary concern is life safety and public infrastructure, and religious activities where it is safe to do so. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures are in place to respond promptly if the situation worsens.
