Rising water levels in the Ganga River have triggered flood concerns across low-lying neighborhoods in Varanasi. By Thursday morning at 6:00 AM, the water mark at the Rajghat gauge site reached 70.54 meters, climbing clear past the established warning threshold of 70.262 meters. According to data monitored by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the river is currently swelling at a steady rate of approximately 2 centimeters per hour. At the Rajghat measuring station, the danger level is marked at 71.262 meters, while the historic Highest Flood Level (HFL) recorded at this site stands at 73.901 meters. The surge in the Ganga is part of a broader regional swell that recently caused a 100-year-old Chaiti temple in Bhagalpur to collapse into the river.
Ground Assessment by Senior City Officials
The simultaneous rise of the Ganga and its tributary, the Varuna River, has submerged several low-lying pockets across Varanasi. In response to the evolving situation, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal and District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar conducted an extensive joint inspection of the affected areas on Tuesday. Both officials reviewed operational readiness and evaluated temporary rehabilitation arrangements made for displaced families in vulnerable sectors.
NDRF Boat Inspections Across Affected Localities
To inspect inundated neighborhoods firsthand, the senior officials boarded a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue boat from Namo Ghat. Their inspection route covered vulnerable riverside residential pockets, including Salarpur, Saraiya, Konia, Pul Kohna, Dhelwariya, and Sarai Mohana. During the field visit, officials interacted directly with local residents affected by rising waters, reassuring them of immediate municipal support. The District Magistrate directed all line departments to remain on high alert, execute continuous field surveillance, and keep advance evacuation protocols ready. Instructions were also issued to ensure ample availability of boats and emergency relief apparatus.
Continuous Monitoring Protocols and Safety Advisories
Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal instructed police personnel and NDRF teams to maintain active round-the-clock patrolling throughout vulnerable zones. Emergency units have been asked to respond immediately to any sudden water surge. Residents living along the riverbanks have been strongly advised to exercise caution and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. The administrative team also inspected active flood relief shelters operating out of the Primary School in Salarpur and Vidya Bihar Inter College to assess living conditions and inmate requirements.
Shelter Management, Health Protocols, and Security Setup
District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar mandated that all relief shelters maintain an uninterrupted supply of nutritious food, clean drinking water, electricity, lighting, and proper sanitation facilities. Special attention has been directed toward meeting the nutritional and healthcare needs of children, women, and elderly evacuees. Medical teams have been instructed to conduct regular health screenings within relief centers and maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines. Additionally, the municipal corporation has been tasked with maintaining strict hygiene standards, while instructions were given to install CCTV cameras inside shelter premises to enhance inmate security.
