Varanasi: With the river Ganga flowing above the danger mark, floods have displaced hundreds in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. From Varanasi to Kanpur and Prayagraj, the water of the Ganges remains a cause of destruction in all the districts. With the hectares of crops submerged in floodwater, the people are forced to migrate from their native place in a bid to save their lives.
For the past few days, the river's rage has devoured the steps of Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats in Varanasi. And the families, which are bound by tradition to bring their dead kin for the final call to both the ghats, have had to wait for hours before they can get started with the last rites.
In Varanasi, roofs of crematoriums are being used to bring salvation to the dead bodies. There are lines of dead bodies in the streets and after a long wait, they are being carried on the roof for the last rites. The water level of the Ganges has reached 45 cm above the danger mark. The houses and shops built on the banks of the Ganges have been flooded with water. Whether it is the Manikarnika Ghat or Harishchandra Ghat, a frightening picture of the Ganges is being seen everywhere.
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Along with the natives of Varanasi, the people who come from the nearby states, are also struggling in long queues for 4-6 hours. The natives of Varanasi and residents of other districts from UP are facing problems due to flooded Ganga. The streets from which people used to go for the cremation of their dead bodies are completely submerged in water. The families of dead have to finally resort to boats to carry the woods and other funeral obsequies.
Due to incessant rains, on Tuesday, the water level of Ganga has been recorded at 71.71 meters, while the danger mark is only at 71.26 meters. The Ganges is flowing 45 cm above the danger mark. With no open space left now, only 10 platform pyres built at a height and under the shed, are helping people in performing their final duty towards the dead.
The tributary Varuna is also in spate at this time due to Ganga taking a rough form in Varanasi. Due to this the streets of the banks of Varuna river have been flooded. People living in the streets are migrating towards safer places.
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