Varanasi’s historic ghats disappear under surging Ganga; authorities rush relief amid ongoing rain

Relentless rain hasn’t just deluged Varanasi.

Continuous rainfall has sent the Ganga River surging above its usual banks, submerging all major ghats in Varanasi and sparking a flood alert across the city and beyond, according to an HT report. Authorities have scrambled to activate flood outposts and set up dozens of relief camps as the iconic riverfront and low-lying neighbourhoods contend with spreading water.

The Ganga’s level, measured at 68.94 metres on Wednesday - up notably from 68.42 metres the previous day - is reportedly climbing at a rapid 10 millimetres per hour, according to the Central Water Commission. The official danger level stands at 71.262 metres, leaving little margin as the river continues to swell.

Relentless rain hasn’t just deluged Varanasi. The rising water stretches downstream to Ballia and neighbouring districts like Prayagraj and Sambhal are also experiencing a dangerous surge. Floodwaters have begun entering low-lying zones along the Varuna River, with HT reporting that reverse flow from the expanding Ganga is pushing water into residential areas. In Ballia, water is reported to have crossed even the local danger mark.

At the spiritual heart of Varanasi, landmarks have all but vanished beneath the muddy tide. Subah-e-Banaras, a stage on Assi Ghat that typically hosts morning cultural events, has gone underwater. Elsewhere, Dashashwamedh Ghat’s police outpost and the revered Maa Sheetla Temple are also flooded, hampering the customs that draw pilgrims to the riverfront. Water police inspector Rajkishore Pandey confirmed to HT that the famed Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat will now be performed only symbolically, with devotees banned from watching the ceremony by boat for their safety.

Local resident Lakhan Kumar Sahani, speaking to ANI, described the situation first-hand: “The water is rising one or two steps daily. There is difficulty in watching Ganga Aarti and operating boats,” he said, adding that the elevated water levels and disrupted routines could persist over the next two months — a perennial ordeal for residents. His account reflects growing unease amongst locals who find themselves hemmed in by waters that inch up the ghat steps daily.

HT reported that the effects of the rising Ganga extend into neighbouring states, where embankments are being closely watched as the river threatens to breach further. Alongside Varanasi, the river continues to swell in Prayagraj and Sambhal, putting more villages at risk, with authorities in Sambhal establishing flood control posts and identifying shelter homes amid fears of more widespread flooding.