
Varanasi's Iconic Ghats Submerged as Ganga River Swells Across Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The sacred city of Varanasi is grappling with swelling waters as the Ganga River continues to rise steadily, submerging major ghats and prompting authorities to activate flood response measures. As of Wednesday, the river's water level reached 68.94 metres, dangerously close to the official danger mark of 71.262 metres, according to the Central Water Commission.
Continuous rainfall across eastern Uttar Pradesh has led to reverse water flow from the Ganga into the Varuna River, flooding multiple low-lying areas. From Varanasi to Ballia, the rising Ganga is impacting life across districts, with emergency flood outposts now on high alert.
Historic Ghats Underwater
Varanasi’s famed ghats—spiritual and cultural lifelines of the city—are bearing the brunt of nature’s fury. At Assi Ghat, large portions of the 'Subah-e-Banaras' stage now lie submerged. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the famous Ganga Aarti is performed daily, the water has crept up to the police outpost. The Maa Sheetla Temple has also been inundated.
In response to the rising waters, Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat will now be conducted symbolically. Water Police Inspector Rajkishore Pandey confirmed that public viewing from boats has been temporarily suspended to ensure safety.
Ghats Disappear Step-by-Step
Locals in the city are witnessing a familiar yet troubling pattern. “The water is rising one or two steps daily on the ghats,” said Lakhan Kumar Sahani, a resident of Varanasi. “Watching the Aarti or boating has become difficult. This situation will likely continue for the next two months. It happens every year, but this time the pace seems faster.”
The steady water rise—currently 10 millimeters per hour—has raised alarms across the district. Floodwater has also begun entering residential and commercial areas close to the Varuna and Ganga riverbanks.
Relief and Response Measures
To tackle the potential crisis, authorities have set up 46 relief camps across the Varanasi district. These camps are equipped to provide temporary shelter, food, and basic medical care to residents from submerged or at-risk areas.
Sub-divisional magistrate Amit Kumar said that all flood-control mechanisms are in place and the administration is monitoring the water level on an hourly basis.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Prayagraj and Sambhal, the Ganga’s rising tide is creating tension in several low-lying villages. Agricultural lands and local infrastructure remain vulnerable as weather predictions continue to hint at more rain.
A City Caught Between Ritual and Risk
For Varanasi, the Ganga is not just a river—it is a lifeline of culture, faith, and daily life. The inundation of its iconic ghats strikes at the heart of the city’s spiritual rhythm. Devotees, priests, and boatmen alike are adapting to the new conditions, though many express concern about the pace and unpredictability of the flooding this year.
Experts attribute the swelling river to a combination of heavy rainfall, upstream water release, and seasonal climate patterns. “Each monsoon brings the Ganga closer to its danger level,” said a local water resources engineer. “The challenge is not just seasonal, but systemic. Better urban planning and drainage mechanisms must be part of the long-term solution.”