Rising Water Levels in River Ganga Affect Varanasi and Prayagraj
The water level of the River Ganga has been rising due to continuous heavy rain in hilly areas and the release of water from dams. According to the Central Water Commission, the water level is increasing at a rate of four centimeters per hour and is expected to rise further.
The rising water has broken the connectivity between the ghats of Ganga, and water is surging into temples on the riverbanks. In Varanasi, the venue for the Ganga Aarti has been moved to rooftops, and small boats have stopped operating due to the fast water flow. The Majhi community, living on the riverbanks, has been relocated to safer places.
In Prayagraj, the surrounding ghats have submerged due to the increasing water levels of the River Ganga and River Yamuna. A resident of Prayagraj, Swapnil Nishad, mentioned that the water level started rising rapidly around 5:30-6:00 AM, submerging the area, including the Ganga Aarti venue.
The Supreme Court has expressed concerns about the degradation of water bodies in the country, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on aquatic life. Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti noted the widespread use of plastic in areas that should be kept free from pollution, causing serious environmental degradation.
Doubts Revealed
River Ganga -: The River Ganga is one of the longest and most important rivers in India. It is considered very holy by many people in India.
Varanasi -: Varanasi is a city in India that is very old and famous for its temples and ghats (steps leading down to the river).
Prayagraj -: Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, is a city in India where three rivers meet: the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
Central Water Commission -: The Central Water Commission is a government organization in India that looks after water resources and manages rivers and dams.
Ghats -: Ghats are steps or platforms along the river where people can bathe, pray, or perform rituals.
Ganga Aarti -: Ganga Aarti is a special prayer ceremony performed every evening to honor the River Ganga.
Majhi community -: The Majhi community is a group of people who traditionally work as boatmen and fishermen along the river.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice in the country.
Plastic pollution -: Plastic pollution refers to the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment, especially in water bodies like rivers and oceans.
Aquatic life -: Aquatic life includes all the plants and animals that live in water, such as fish, turtles, and water plants.
