Varanasi: Although the Ganga was still flowing nearly seven metres below the danger mark, its water level continued to rise on Saturday, submerging upper platforms and lower steps and disrupting interconnectivity between several ghats.The rise in water level, caused by incessant rainfall in upstream districts, also made it necessary for organisers to shift the Ganga Aarti dais to higher platforms on a daily basis. The water level was recorded at 63.4 metres on Saturday morning and was rising at around 2cm per hour, compared with 62.91 metres on Friday.After crossing 63.3 metres early Saturday, the rising water began cutting off connectivity between the ghats. Water also started flowing back into the Varuna river, causing inundation in areas close to the confluence of the two rivers.The warning level for the Ganga in Varanasi is 70.26 metres, while the danger mark is 71.26 metres. Despite the river being below the danger mark, rising water had started covering platforms and lower steps at prominent bathing ghats, including Dashashwamedh and those downstream. At Manikarnika Ghat, the space available for cremations and other rituals was also shrinking.Amid the rising water level, district magistrate Satyendra Kumar inspected flood-prone stretches along the Ganga and Varuna rivers on Saturday to assess preparedness and ground conditions. Travelling by an NDRF boat from Namo Ghat, he reviewed the river flow, embankments and vulnerable settlements.The inspection covered the confluence near Adi Keshav Ghat and areas including Salarpur, Saraiya, Konia, Pul Kohna, Dhelwariya, Sarai Mohana and adjoining riverbank localities.Kumar assessed the water level, flow pattern, possibility of waterlogging and low-lying populated areas that could be affected if the rivers continued to swell. He directed officials to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of both rivers, monitor every change in water levels and share timely updates with all concerned departments.He instructed officials to keep identified flood relief camps, approach roads, essential supplies, rescue equipment and evacuation arrangements ready and functional. He also stressed close coordination with the NDRF and other response teams to ensure immediate action during an emergency and safe evacuation of affected families.Kumar appealed to people living along the riverbanks to remain alert, follow official advisories and avoid rumours. The Sadar tehsildar was directed to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in settlements along the Varuna, informing residents about precautions, safe locations, evacuation procedures and available relief support.All departments concerned have been directed to maintain close coordination and follow a zero-response-time approach. ADM Finance and Revenue Dr Sadanand Gupta, Sadar Tehsildar, NDRF Inspector Vineet Kumar and other officials were present during the inspection.
