Varanasi: The continuously rising level of the Ganga almost touched the warning level of 70.26 meters on Saturday, increasing threat of flooding in low-lying areas of the city, especially on the banks of the tributary river Varuna. About 800 people from over 140 families shifted to flood relief camps or safe sites.The swollen river compelled shifting of cremations at ghats, including Manikarnika and Harischandra, as well as the Ganga Aartis of different ghats to upper platforms. It also submerged the river police outpost at Dashaswamedh Ghat. The flood threat loomed large in Ghazipur and Ballia districts downstream of the Ganga.According to Central Water Commission’s daily bulletin, the level of Ganga reached 69.96 meters by Saturday afternoon against the warning level of 70.26 meters, while the danger mark is at 71.26 meters. The record of the maximum water level in Varanasi was 73.90 meters in 1978. As the trend of increase was maintained at Prayagraj and Fafamau, and the river was also on the rise at Mirzapur upstream, it was expected that the water level would cross the warning level on Sunday and start heading to the danger level. In Ballia, the river was flowing at 58.65 meters against the danger level of 57.61 metres, while in Ghazipur, it reached close to the warning level of 63.10 meters.In Varanasi, Rampur Dhab village of Tehsil Sadar and six localities along the river Varuna, including Salarpur, Saraiya, Nakkighat, Dhelwariya, Daniyalpur, and Hukulganj, witnessed entry of floodwaters. Flooding in Varuna is caused by overflowing Ganga through the confluence point downstream of both rivers.According to the district administration’s report, a total of 65 families from low-lying areas on Varuna banks shifted to flood relief camps, while 74 others moved to safe sites of their own preference. In flood relief camps, 339 people from these families have taken shelter so far. District administration established 46 relief camps, of which seven have been operationalised fully at Salarpur, Saraiya, Chitrakoot, Nakkighat, Daniyalpur, Dhelwariya and Hukulganj. Officials have also engaged boats in relief operations, while district administration started distributing lunch packets, fruits, milk packets, and ORS. Flood control rooms can be accessed by calling 0542-2508550, 2504170, and 9140037137.Divisional commissioner S Rajalingam convened meeting of officials to review the flood situation and the arrangements made so far to combat the challenges. He asked officials to focus on areas like Jaluapur in rural regions and Nagwa, Assi Ghat, Samneghat, and Maruti Nagar in the Ganga upstream, apart from areas on Varuna banks. He emphasised ensuring availability and spraying of bleaching powder, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, beds, sheets, and quality food supplies. The municipal corporation was directed to conduct continuous cleaning campaigns in the city and along Varuna.The commissioner ordered activation of loud hailers and sirens for emergencies, conducting mock drills, and full deployment of civil defence duties. The control number was to be kept active and regular flood bulletins were to be issued. Responsibilities were assigned to DPRO, BDO, ADO Panchayat and Lekhpals in rural areas to ensure arrangements for fodder, water and immediate vaccination for animals, along with proper care for animals in shelter sites and those owned by affected people.Setu Nigam and Public Works Department were instructed to repair roads and bridges in flood-affected areas, while police department was directed to ensure security near shelters. The health department was asked to activate health centres. The railway tracks were ordered to be cleaned, while electricity department was to ensure uninterrupted power supply in flood-affected areas.
