Varanasi Ghats Submerged as Ganga Nears Danger Mark
· India · Indian Express, LiveMint
Rising waters of the Ganga river following heavy rainfall have submerged parts of Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh ghats in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Cremation rites at Manikarnika Ghat have been shifted to rooftops as water levels reached the lower portions of the grounds. Boat operations have been suspended as a precautionary measure by local authorities to ensure the safety of devotees visiting the city during the month of Sawan. The water level stood at 68.35 metres on Thursday, moving steadily toward the danger mark of 71.26 metres. The suspension of river transport has impacted local boatmen, vendors, and businesses dependent on daily tourist movement.
Why it matters
The rising river level has severely disrupted daily funeral rites at historic cremation grounds and halted livelihoods for thousands of families dependent on Varanasi's boat services.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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