Heavy Rains Inundate Ganga Ghats, Disrupting Cremations and Rituals
Recent heavy rains have caused the Ganga river's water level to rise, flooding lower steps of Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats and halting cremations. Cremations are now conducted on upper steps. High flow has also restricted boat movements and shifted the Ganga aarti site to higher grounds.
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- India
Heavy rains have caused a significant rise in the Ganga river's water level, inundating the lower steps of Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats and bringing cremations to a halt at these points.
'The area commonly used for cremations is now under water. Operations have been moved to the upper steps,' said Mithilesh Yadav, in-charge of the water police.
Yadav also noted that due to the increased water levels and high flow, larger boats are prohibited from operating after 6 pm and boatmen have been directed to carry only half their passenger capacity. Mandatory life jackets have also been enforced.
Continuous patrols by water police and NDRF teams ensure compliance and safety along the ghats, Yadav added.
The Ganga aarti site has also been relocated to the upper steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat due to the rising waters. 'The aarti will now be performed on the upper steps as the customary area is inundated,' said Shivam Mishra from Ganga Seva Nidhi, organizers of the daily aarti.
(With inputs from agencies.)