Varanasi

The water level of the Ganga river has been rising steadily in Varanasi, prompting the administration to suspend boat operations as a precautionary measure, officials said on Thursday.

ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi said the water level of the river stood at 68.35 metres on Thursday and was steadily moving 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 said a decision on resuming boat operations would be taken once the water level and the flow of the river return to normal.

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Water has reached the Harishchandra and Manikarnika ghats, forcing cremations to be conducted on the upper steps and rooftops of the ghats, Tripathi said.

Boat operators have also been directed to strictly follow instructions issued through announcements by the water police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, he said.