Varanasi boatmen suffer as boat services remain suspended

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 21 (ANI): Boat services have been temporarily suspended in Varanasi despite the receding water in the Ganga river after the rains in the state, say boatmen who say they are facing difficulty in making ends meet.
Due to the ban on the operation of the boats for the last two and a half months, boats have been parked at Dashashwamedh Ghat, resulting in the Manjhi community facing a crisis in their livelihood.
A local boatman said that most of the boatmen have been surviving on meagre means.
"We are facing a lot of problems after the boat services have been suspended here due to the rise in the water level. This is the only source of income we have. Now that we have no livelihood, we have been surviving on meagre money and food. The government needs to restart the services considering the situation of the local boatmen. We will be taking all necessary precautions that are needed for the passengers," he said.
Continuous rainfall in the mountains and active monsoon showers in the plains caused water levels to surge in the Ganga River, posing a threat to several ghats in Kanpur city.
The rising waters have submerged ghats and affected daily life, such as Sarsaiya Ghat, Golaghat, and Bhairav Ghat. The persistent downpour has led to a significant increase in the river's water level, sparking concerns among local authorities and residents.
The situation was closely monitored, with officials prepared to take necessary measures to mitigate potential flooding.
The swollen river has already begun to encroach upon the ghats, disrupting daily life and activities along the riverbank.
Residents and devotees who were frequent to these ghats were advised to exercise caution and follow updates from local authorities.
Due to increased water in the River Ganga, priests present there on the last day of Ganesh Visarjan advised people to take precautions on the Ghats.
According to the priests, the rising level of the river has also reduced the number of devotees at the ghat. (ANI)