Varanasi: The Ganga’s water level in Varanasi has started receding at a rate of 3 cm per hour, providing some relief from the flood situation, though the river was still flowing 0.05 metre above the warning mark on Saturday.DM Satyendra Kumar inspected flood relief camps on Friday and directed officials to ensure proper food, healthcare and other essential facilities for affected families, with special attention to children, elderly people and pregnant women. He also interacted with people staying in the camps, enquired about their well-being and assured them of all possible assistance.The decline in the water level has been recorded over the past two days, indicating a gradual easing of the flood situation along the riverfront. Officials, however, remain alert as fresh rainfall in upstream catchment areas or changes in discharge patterns could again affect the river’s flow.In Varanasi, the Ganga’s water level is closely monitored as rising waters affect several ghats, low-lying areas and settlements along the riverbank. A steady fall in the level is expected to ease pressure on inundated areas and improve access to riverfront locations that are often cut off during floods.The Central Water Commission continues to issue regular updates on the river’s movement and the rate at which the water level is rising or falling. These bulletins help the district administration and disaster response agencies assess the situation and take precautionary measures.Residents living near the river and visitors to the ghats have been advised to remain cautious until the water level returns to safer limits.At Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Hukulganj, the DM sat with flood-affected people and reviewed the facilities being provided. At Deepti Convent School, Hukulganj, he sought details from the medical team about healthcare arrangements and directed that medical staff remain available round the clock.He also instructed officials to ensure special care for children, elderly people and pregnant women.During visits to relief camps at Tulsi Niketan, Hukulganj, and Primary School, Dhelwariya, the DM interacted with residents and children, asking them about the facilities being provided. He also distributed chocolates among the children.At Navyug Vidya Mandir, Dhelwariya, Kumar inspected the relief centre and visited the kitchen where food was being prepared. He stressed that meals must be cooked with proper cleanliness and hygiene.He said the administration’s top priority is to ensure the safety, health, food and basic facilities of flood-affected families. He directed all concerned departments and officials to remain active in relief camps and extend all possible support to those affected by the flood.
