Ganga Water Level Surges in Varanasi: Boat Operations Halted Amid Pitru Paksha Rush
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A relentless surge in the upstream catchment areas has triggered a sharp rise in the water level of the holy River Ganga across Varanasi, prompting the district administration to enforce strict precautionary measures and suspend all civilian boating operations until further orders. According to the early morning hydrological bulletin released by the Central Water Commission (CWC) at 8:00 AM on Monday, September 28, 2026, the river stood at 67.18 meters, rising at an aggressive rate of 60 millimeters per hour. While the current water level remains approximately four meters below the official danger mark, the strong river currents and submerged ghat steps have prompted immediate administrative vigilance to safeguard thousands of pilgrims gathering along the riverbanks for sacred ritual offerings.
CWC Hydrological Data: River Swells at 60 mm/hr Towards Warning Threshold
The Central Water Commission's continuous monitoring stations have highlighted a steady upward trajectory across the district's river stretch:
Current Gauge Readings: The gauge level at Varanasi was recorded at 67.18 meters at 8:00 AM, with water rising steadily at 60 mm per hour due to upstream releases and regional rainfall.
Key Elevation Benchmarks: The CWC has established the warning level for Varanasi at 70.26 meters, while the critical danger mark is pegged at 71.26 meters. The historical all-time high flood level (HFL) remains 73.90 meters, recorded on September 9, 1978.
Submerged Ghat Connectivity: The swelling river has submerged the lower flights of stairs and severed inter-ghat pedestrian pathways between Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat, prompting municipal teams to monitor low-lying embankments.
NDRF and Jal Police on High Alert: Critical Safety Protocol for Pitru Paksha Tarpan
With large crowds congregating for the fortnight of ancestral rites, security forces have intensified riverfront deployments:
Prohibition on Boating: In view of turbulent currents, the Varanasi district administration has ordered a complete ban on small wooden rowboats, motor boats, and tourist cruise liners operating along the river until river velocity normalizes.
Active Waterway Patrols: Specialized rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Varanasi Water Police have deployed motorized speedboats equipped with life-saving buoys to conduct round-the-clock surveillance along active ghats.
Advisory on Deep-Water Bathing: Authorities have issued clear public warnings urging devotees performing Pitru Paksha tarpan and ritual baths to remain strictly within designated barricaded safety zones and avoid venturing into deep water.
Inter-Departmental Readiness: The local administration has instructed municipal zonal teams, emergency healthcare personnel, and flood relief cells to stay on high alert to handle any sudden overflow or localized waterlogging along riverside settlements.
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