Varanasi, 01 Aug

(HS): In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the perennial river Ganga and its tributary

Varuna have once again taken a furious form, due to which flood-like conditions

have been created in the embankments areas of both the rivers. Life in the low

lying areas has come to a standstill. For the second time, boats have to be

used in the streets of Mokshatirtha Manikarnika Ghat, while the water level is

just a whisker away from the danger mark. The Varanasi district administration,

NDRF and water police are fully alert and instructions have been given for

relief and rescue in the affected areas.

Ganga water level

near danger mark:

According to the Central Water Commission, the water level of

Ganga was recorded at 69.84 meters on Friday morning at 6 am, while the warning

point is 70.262 meters and the danger mark is 71.262 meters. The water level is

increasing at an average rate of two centimeters per hour, which can make the

situation more serious. According to the commission, after the cloudburst in

Uttarakhand, heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh and Bundelkhand, the water of Yamuna

along with Ken-Betwa is also increasing in Ganga. Low lying areas affected:

Like the first round of floods, this time too, Rampur Dhaba in Tehsil Sadar and

seven localities on the banks of Varuna river in the city – Salarpur, Saraiya,

Nakkhighat, Dhelwari, Daniyalpur, Hukulganj and Badi Bazar – are among the most

affected areas.

Problems in

cremation at Ghats, Ganga Aarti in streets: The rising water level of the

Ganges is creating problems in performing last rites at Manikarnika Ghat and

Harishchandra Ghat. Due to waterlogging in the streets of Manikarnika Ghat, the

bodies are being transported to the upper platform by boat. The cremation is

being done in the streets of Harishchandra Ghat itself. The water has reached

the stairs of Ganga Dwar of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, where additional

security arrangements have been deployed. The Jal Police Office at

Dashashwamedh Ghat is also on the verge of submergence. Crossing the stairs of

Assi Ghat, the water of the Ganges has now reached the streets, where the

regular evening Ganga Aarti is now being performed in the streets itself.

Affected areas and

alerts: The ghat under construction at the front ghat has been submerged, while

water has entered Maruti Nagar Colony from the back side. In Sarnath's

Pulkohana area too, due to the rise in the water level of Varuna river, flood

water is reaching the houses through drains. The administration is constantly

monitoring the situation and all the concerned departments have been instructed

to remain alert while keeping an eye on the water level. Teams of Water Police,

NDRF, Municipal Corporation and Health Department have been kept on alert mode.

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar visited the flood-affected area Salarpur on

Thursday evening. The District Magistrate visited the relief camp primary

school Salarpur and met the flood victims.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi