Varanasi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : The water levels of the Ganges River in Varanasi have now receded below the danger mark, bringing a sigh of relief to local residents. As reported by the Central Water Commission, the current water level stands at 70.26 meters, which is below the warning threshold. This follows a period of elevated water levels that had raised concerns among those living along the ghats and those whose livelihoods depend on the river.
Despite the decrease in water levels, conditions along the ghats remain far from normal. All 84 ghats in Varanasi are still submerged, and boat operations continue to be suspended. Small temples located in lower areas of the ghats are also underwater. Authorities have indicated that while the water levels are dropping, it will take time for the situation along the ghats to stabilize.
Sanjeev Kumar Dubey, a priest who conducts rituals at the Ganges, noted, “The water level is gradually decreasing. It has dropped four to five steps since yesterday, and there are clear signs of further reduction. There is no indication that the water level will rise again.”
He added that the elevated water levels had severely impacted the local community. Those whose livelihoods are tied to the ghats—such as boatmen, priests, flower vendors, and those in tourism—faced significant challenges. The flooding had disrupted rituals and ceremonies, but with the water receding, there is hope for a return to normal life.
In recent days, the Ganges had surpassed danger levels, prompting district authorities to issue alerts and advise residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration have been actively monitoring the situation. With the water levels now decreasing, the immediate threat of flooding has diminished.
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