Varanasi: The water level of the Ganga river has begun to recede in Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Ballia, while it remained steady in Ghazipur on Monday. However, the river continues to flow above the danger mark in Ballia, inundating several low-lying areas.According to the daily bulletin of Central Water Commission, the Ganga was flowing 1.32 metre above the danger mark in Ballia, though a declining trend of 1cm per hour was recorded. In Varanasi and Mirzapur, the river was receding at a rate of 2cm per hour and 3cm per hour respectively. In Ghazipur, the water level remained steady, flowing just 0.01 metre below the danger mark.Despite the receding trend, the situation in Varanasi remained critical as all steps and upper platforms at the Ganga ghats remained submerged. Space for cremations at Manikarnika Ghat was extremely limited, forcing families to perform last rites in the adjoining lanes leading to Harishchandra Ghat. Besides, the daily Ganga Aarti ritual was also relocated due to the rise in water level. Meanwhile, Varanasi DM Satyendra Kumar conducted a surprise inspection of the flood-affected regions on Sunday, visiting the relief camp at Deepti Convent School in the Hukulganj area. He also surveyed the flood situation from the rooftop of a house near the Varuna river. Kumar directed municipal authorities to intensify sanitation drives and conduct anti-larvae spraying, fogging, and lime treatment in waterlogged areas.The DM further instructed the SDM Sadar to collect feedback from flood-affected residents regarding food, shelter, power supply for mobile charging, and other essential needs, and to ensure prompt redressal of their concerns.Meanwhile, UP Minister of State for Stamp and Court Registration Fees (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal visited flood-hit areas, including the Navodaya Public School in Daniyalpur. He interacted with displaced families, assured them of govt support, and distributed relief materials among them.
