Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Rising Ganga Forces Cremations Onto Rooftops in Varanasi
The Ganga River is rising in Varanasi after heavy rain.
Water has entered areas around several riverfront ghats.
Some paths between the ghats are now underwater.
Cremations at Manikarnika Ghat have been moved to higher places, including rooftops.
The river is rising by about 50 millimetres every hour.
It is currently below the danger level, but it could reach that level if the rain continues.
People who live, work, or visit near the river are worried.
Authorities are watching the water closely and telling people to stay away from flooded areas.
The Ganga’s water level in Varanasi has continued rising, disrupting activity along the riverfront.
Flooding has severed connections between several ghats and submerged pathways and cremation platforms.
Cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat have shifted to rooftops and other higher locations.
The Central Water Commission recorded the river at 67.68 metres, rising about 50 millimetres per hour.
The river is 3.58 metres below the 71.26-metre danger mark, and continued rainfall could worsen conditions within days.
- Who
- Residents, pilgrims, visitors, workers and authorities in Varanasi are affected.
- What
- Rising Ganga waters have disrupted riverfront activities, severed connections between ghats and forced cremations to higher ground.
- When
- The water was reported rising on Thursday; the next 24 to 48 hours are considered important for further developments.
- Where
- Along the Ganga riverfront in Varanasi, including Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall has caused the Ganga’s water level to rise continuously.
- Current water level
- 67.68 metres
- Danger mark
- 71.26 metres
- Distance below danger mark
- Approximately 3.58 metres
- Rate of rise
- About 50 millimetres per hour
- Affected activities
- Cremations, Ganga Aarti arrangements and movement between ghats
- Monitoring agency
- Central Water Commission
- Primary concern
- Continued rainfall could push the river toward the danger mark within days