Ganga Reclaims Varanasi Ghats: Water Level Rises 5.5 Feet in 48 Hours

VARANASI — The water level of the Ganga River in Kashi has been rising continuously for the past two days, recording an increase of nearly 5.5 feet during this 48-hour period. The sudden surge has altered the city's iconic riverfront landscape, triggering immediate safety and precautionary adjustments across all 84 historical ghats.

Submergence on the Banks and Community Shift

The rapid influx of water has begun directly impacting day-to-day cultural and religious activities along the stone steps of the crescent-shaped riverbank.

• Boat Relocation: Recognizing the volatile undercurrents and expanding waterline, members of the local boating community have begun securing and moving their wooden and motor vessels to safer tie-off points.

• Priests Move Inland: Traditional priests (pandas and pujaris) who operate religious platforms along the water’s edge are proactively shifting their wooden chowkis, umbrellas, and ritual equipment to higher tiers of the ghats.

• Opposite Bank Submerged: Across the main channel on the sandy opposite bank, the rising waters have already entirely overrun and submerged several temporary structures and tents.

Debris and Water Hyacinth Hamper Ritual Dips

Compounding the challenge for arriving pilgrims, the swelling river is carrying massive accumulations of water hyacinth, floating logs, plastic debris, and municipal garbage downstream. The heavy density of this floating organic waste near the steps has made it exceptionally difficult and hazardous for devotees attempting to take their traditional holy dips.

According to Vinod Kumar Nishad, National President of the Maa Ganga Nishad Raj Seva Samiti, Uttar Pradesh, the sharp increase in the river's volume is primarily driven by the heavy discharge of water from upstream dams and barrages located in Uttarakhand following high-intensity monsoon rainfall in the hilly catchment zones. District authorities, river police, and local residents are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to monitor the water level trends closely.