Lucknow, August 20, 2026

The steadily rising water level of the Ganga in Varanasi has raised safety concerns, leading the administration to suspend boat operations as a precaution. With the river moving closer to its danger mark and a large number of devotees arriving in the city during the month of Sawan, authorities have intensified measures to prevent any untoward incident.

According to ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi, the Ganga’s water level reached 68.35 metres on Thursday and was continuing to rise towards the danger mark of 71.26 metres. “Lakhs of devotees are visiting Varanasi during the month of Sawan. Keeping their safety in mind, boat operations have been suspended as a precautionary measure,” Tripathi said. He added that boat services would resume only after the river’s water level and flow return to normal.

The rising waters have also reached the Harishchandra and Manikarnika ghats, resulting in cremations being shifted to the upper steps and rooftops of the ghats. Boat operators have been instructed to strictly comply with safety directions announced by the water police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.

As the Ganga continues to swell, the administration remains focused on safeguarding devotees, residents and those working along the riverfront. Further decisions regarding the restoration of boat operations will depend on the water level and the overall flow of the river returning to safe conditions.