Varanasi Floods: Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats Underwater, Residents on Edge
In the last three days, Ganga has risen by about 11 feet on the ghats. Now it has reached 71.26 meters, above the warning level (70.36 meters). Due to the water of Ganga reaching the ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra crematoriums have been completely submerged, due to which people are facing great difficulties in cremation. People who have brought the dead body have to wait, and not only this, but the sad thing is that cremation has to be done on the roofs and streets. Let us tell you that due to the flood in Ganga, 436 families have left their homes so far. It is believed that this time the water level of the Ganga can also cross the warning point.
Ganga river in spate
The Ganga’s flood has increased so much that the Central Water Commission has also warned that the Ganga’s attitude may become more aggressive in the next few hours. Extensive security arrangements have been made for the Kanwar pilgrims. Barricades have been set up along the ghats, and boat operations in the Ganga have been suspended. Local people say that such a situation was seen in the month of August, but with the water rising even before August, the Ganga’s attitude has become a matter of concern. Many coastal settlements, including Deendayalpur, Paigambarpur, Pulkohana, Purana Pul, Ruppanpur, and Salarpur, are being affected by the Ganga’s flood in Kashi. People have vacated their homes and moved to other places and flood relief camps. They will return to their homes only after the water level decreases.
Rain continues in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand too
Continuous rain continues in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, due to which the water level in the rivers is rising rapidly. Looking at the situation, the gates of many dams are being opened. It is estimated that by Friday night, the water level may increase further due to the water coming from Chambal, Betwa, and other rivers. Which is likely to have a direct impact on daily life for the people of Kashi. The Central Water Commission says that after August 5, there will be a rapid flow in Kashi and surrounding areas, and the water level of Ganga may rise considerably. However, the administration is fully alert amid the possibility of flood. The administration has appealed to the people to avoid going to the riverbankand immediately contact the help center in case of any emergency.