Now Reading: Ganga in spate: ghats submerged, Arti moved to higher ground
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Ganga in spate: ghats submerged, Arti moved to higher ground
The Ganga Arti platform at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat was submerged on Saturday, forcing organisers to shift the ceremony to a location 10 feet higher. In Rishikesh, the Parmarth Niketan Ghat is underwater,…
The Story in Brief
The Ganga Arti platform at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat was submerged on Saturday, forcing organisers to shift the ceremony to a location 10 feet higher. In Rishikesh, the Parmarth Niketan Ghat is underwater, with a Lord Shiva idol partially submerged. The Alakhnanda and Mandakini rivers in Rudraprayag are flowing above danger levels after heavy rainfall.
According to the Central Water Commission, the Ganga in Varanasi was at 63.9 metres, with the warning level at 70.262 metres and the danger level at 71.262 metres, and rising at 20 mm per hour. Hindustan Times reports that district magistrate Satyendra Kumar inspected flood-prone areas by boat and ordered relief camps to be activated.
The Indian Opinion
Every monsoon, the Ganga's rise brings both awe and anxiety. Some see divine intervention in submerged idols, while others blame poor infrastructure. The reality is seasonal flooding that demands nimble administration. The district magistrate's boat inspection and pre-identified relief camps suggest readiness, but the real test will be whether families in low-lying areas are evacuated before the river hits 71.262 metres.
Sources (2): rediff.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
