Rising Ganges Waters Submerge Ghats in Varanasi, Affecting Livelihoods and Tourism

The increasing water level of the Ganges river in Varanasi has submerged steps at various ghats, halting small boat operations and affecting tourism. Despite a decline in rainfall, water flow from mountains has caused continuous rise in water level, impacting local businesses and lives across multiple districts.

The rising water level of the Ganges in Varanasi has submerged the steps at various ghats in the temple town, forcing authorities to ban small boat operations to prevent accidents.

Although rains have subsided over the past few weeks, mountain water is now showing its effects on the plains, causing the Ganga river's water level to continuously rise. This flooding has submerged the ghats' stairs and, in some instances, inundated the floors of riverside temples.

Madan Sahani, a local resident, observed, 'The water level has now reached 10 feet. People can't go to other ghats, affecting tourism and halting small boat operations.' Manish Kumar, a boat owner, lamented, 'We can no longer row our boats; our livelihoods are at a standstill. We may need to find other jobs as conditions might remain the same for the next two to three months.'

Avadhesh, another resident, added, 'We are facing severe difficulties. Pilgrims need to stay safe and avoid going deep into the river or to the ghats like Rajendra Ghat, Sheetla Ghat, and Dasha Sumer Ghat. Accidents could happen anytime.' On July 16, around 48 villages in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, were affected by rising waters from the Rapti River.

The Rapti River's water level has risen one meter above the danger mark. Gorakhpur's SSP, Gaurav Grover, visited some affected villages to assure residents of assistance.

Officials reported that nearly 18 districts, including Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, and Shahjahanpur, are affected by rising water levels.