The city of Varanasi, known for its ancient ghats and cultural significance, is facing a growing flood threat as the water level of the Ganga River continues to rise at an alarming rate. The flood situation has become a cause of concern for the residents, with all 84 ghats in the city now submerged. The water has reached as far as the Subah-e-Banaras stage at Assi Ghat, signaling the increasing danger of flooding. The situation is worsening, with water levels rising at the rate of 4 cm per hour, leaving local authorities scrambling to manage the flood crisis.

Rising Water Levels in Ganga Pose Threat to Varanasi

On Tuesday, the water level of the Ganga reached a significant level. The water submerged much of the Subah-e-Banaras stage at Assi Ghat, which is a popular location for morning prayers and rituals. The Shitala Mata Temple at Dashashwamedh Ghat was also affected, with the water entering the temple premises. By evening, the water had submerged the temple, with only the upper portions visible above the water.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) issued an alert on Tuesday morning, stating that the water level of the Ganga at 8 AM was recorded at 68.42 meters. The water level increased steadily, rising at a rate of 4 cm per hour in the morning. By evening, the level reached 68.70 meters, which is still 1.56 meters below the warning level of 70.26 meters. Despite the level not crossing the warning mark yet, the rising water has already caused significant damage to the ghats and nearby areas.

Impact on Temples and Local Infrastructure

One of the most alarming developments in this ongoing flood crisis is the submergence of various temples located along the ghats. The Shitala Mata Temple at Dashashwamedh Ghat was partially submerged, and only the top portion of the temple structure remained visible. The water entered the temple late at night, and following the Ganga Aarti, the Shitala Mata idol was relocated to Ahilyabai State at the Ahileshwar Mahadev Temple. From Tuesday, regular worship and rituals resumed at the new location.

At Assi Ghat, the rising water levels have submerged the Subah-e-Banaras stage, a place famous for its early morning gatherings and cultural activities. The Namo Ghat also saw the lower part of the Namo Sculpture submerged under water. From Assi Ghat to Raj Ghat, all temples along the ghats are submerged, with only the spires of many temples remaining visible.

Disruption to Ganga Aarti and Other Rituals

The rising water levels have had a major impact on the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Due to the dangerous water conditions, the local water police have imposed a complete ban on the practice of conducting Aarti on boats. The traditional ritual of conducting Aarti with boats and motorboats for the devotees has been suspended for safety reasons.

Security measures have been intensified around the ghats, with the deployment of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) personnel to manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

Worsening Flood Situation at Varuna Corridor

The situation has become even more dire due to the rising water levels in the Varuna River, a tributary of the Ganga. The flow reversal in the Varuna River and the increasing water levels in the Varuna Corridor have created a flood risk in the low-lying areas of the city. On Tuesday, areas such as Hidayat Nagar and nearby localities witnessed rapid flooding, with many houses becoming submerged.

Several families in Dindayalpur including Bhola Maurya, Shobha, Sona Devi, Nathu Sonkar, and others were severely affected as floodwaters entered their homes. In Hidayat Nagar, families like Kaju, Miraj, Salman, and Chunnu are also facing significant flood damage.

Increased Risk for Residents of Low-Lying Areas

The situation in the low-lying areas of the city, particularly near the Nagwa Nullah, is becoming more critical. The floodwaters from Nagwa Nullah are expected to enter nearby areas like Harijan Bast (Scheduled Caste neighborhood), Sonkar Bast, Dumraon Bagh Colony, Saket Nagar, Rohit Nagar, and parts of Batua Pura. The situation remains precarious, with floodwaters continuing to spread to new areas.

Despite efforts to reduce the impact by installing channel gates at the Saman Ghat and Gyan Pravah, which reduced the water flow into the Ganga, the overall risk for the city continues to rise. Floodwaters have also started to spread toward Ramna, where the shashan sthal (cremation grounds) has been submerged. With water levels rising by nearly 5 feet, concerns over the loss of crops in nearby fields, especially in Ramna Tikri, are growing.

Challenges Faced by Local Authorities

The local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crisis. Revenue Department officials, including Ameen Surendra Mishra, have been conducting regular inspections of flood-affected areas such as Nagwa Primary School to ensure relief measures are being implemented effectively. Efforts are also being made to ensure that the flood-affected communities receive necessary supplies and shelter.

The floodwaters have caused significant disruption in the agriculture sector, with reports of hundreds of acres of crops being submerged in water. The damage to the agricultural sector could have long-term consequences for the livelihoods of many farmers in the region.

The Way Forward: Managing the Crisis

As the situation continues to develop, local authorities are taking several steps to prevent further damage. Emergency teams are on standby to evacuate residents from the most affected areas, and relief efforts are underway to provide temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance to those displaced by the floods.

The water police have been actively monitoring the situation, particularly at the ghats, to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent any accidents. The presence of NDRF and PAC personnel will be crucial in maintaining order and providing assistance to flood-affected residents.

While the city continues to battle the rising floodwaters, it is important for the residents to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. As the floodwaters begin to recede, it will take time for the affected areas to recover fully, but with continued cooperation from the public and authorities, Varanasi will work towards rebuilding and recovering from this challenging crisis.

The flood situation in Varanasi, triggered by the rising water levels in the Ganga and Varuna rivers, is one of the most significant challenges faced by the city in recent years. With Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat submerged, along with several temples and cultural landmarks, the city is grappling with the impact of the flood. The rising waters pose a serious threat to the residents of low-lying areas, and the local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crisis and provide relief.

As the floodwaters continue to rise, residents are urged to stay alert and cooperate with local authorities for safety. The coming days will be crucial in managing the aftermath and ensuring that the city can recover from this devastating flood.