Lifestyle

Ganga Water Level Rises Rapidly From Prayagraj to Varanasi, Cremation Sites Submerged

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<p>The water level of the Ganga and Yamuna has started rising rapidly across eastern Uttar Pradesh, increasing the risk of flooding from Prayagraj to Varanasi. Continuous rainfall in the upper reaches and catchment areas has intensified the flow of both rivers, affecting several districts and disrupting activities along the riverfront.</p> <p>In Prayagraj, the Yamuna rose by 1.32 metres in the past 24 hours, causing water to spread quickly across the Sangam area. The Ganga also recorded a rise of around 32 centimetres, raising concern among residents, pilgrims and authorities monitoring the riverbanks.</p> <p>The situation has become particularly serious in Varanasi, where the Ganga is reportedly rising at a rate of nearly seven centimetres per hour. By late Sunday night, the water had reached the area near the Sheetla Temple. Several lower steps and platforms at the city’s historic ghats have been submerged.</p> <p>The rising water has also affected cremation activities at Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats. Several cremation platforms at Manikarnika Ghat are now under water, leaving limited space for carrying out last rites. Cremations have reportedly begun taking place on the rooftop section of the ghat.</p> <p>At Harishchandra Ghat, authorities are preparing to shift cremations to nearby lanes from Monday if the water level continues to rise. The change has been necessitated by the flooding of the regular cremation area and access routes leading to the ghat.</p> <p>The rising water has also disrupted movement between different ghats. Several connecting pathways and lower-level routes are either submerged or becoming difficult to use. Religious ceremonies, bathing activities and other rituals have been affected as the river continues to encroach on the lower platforms.</p> <p>The developments have prompted local authorities to monitor the situation closely. Officials are keeping watch on the river levels and assessing the possibility of a flood-like situation in low-lying areas. Residents living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain cautious and follow instructions issued by the administration.</p> <p>The increase in water levels has been linked to rainfall in the Himalayan region and along the Ganga-Yamuna basin. As rainwater continues to flow downstream, the situation in Prayagraj, Varanasi and other riverside districts may change rapidly.</p> <p>For now, the primary concern is the safety of residents, pilgrims, visitors and people involved in funeral arrangements. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the river and make further arrangements if the water rises closer to danger levels.</p>