Wed Jul 16 14:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Ganga River Swells, Flood Alert Issued in Uttar Pradesh**
**Lucknow, India** – Rising water levels in the Ganga River, fueled by relentless rainfall across Northern India, have prompted authorities in Uttar Pradesh to issue flood warnings for several districts, including Varanasi and Prayagraj.
In Varanasi, the Ganga is overflowing, submerging all 84 of the city’s iconic ghats. The rapid rise in water levels has triggered an alert from local officials, who are closely monitoring the situation. The Central Water Commission reports that the Ganga in Kashi is nearing the warning level.
Across Uttar Pradesh, the swelling Ganga and Yamuna, along with other rivers, are creating a heightened risk of flooding. District administrations in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, Bahraich, and Kannauj are implementing precautionary measures, including enhanced monitoring and the establishment of flood watch posts.
Prayagraj is already experiencing the effects of the rising waters, with low-lying areas like Nagvasuki, Chota Baghada, Salori, Daraganj, and Kachari beginning to flood. While the Ganga and Yamuna remain below the danger mark of 84.73 meters, the rapid increase has prompted serious concern.
Authorities are evacuating vulnerable populations from potentially affected areas, relocating them to safe zones and preparing relief camps. A 24-hour flood control room has been activated, staffed by teams from the Jal Nigam (Water Corporation), Jalkal (Water Department), the Health Department, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Citizens are urged to heed official instructions and seek safety in designated areas.
The rising water levels are also impacting livelihoods. In Varanasi, thousands of boat operators and small shopkeepers along the ghats are facing economic hardship due to restrictions on river traffic and the inundation of their businesses. The iconic Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat will now be performed symbolically due to the flooding.
“The rising water level has severely impacted our livelihoods,” said Saroj, a flower shop owner near the ghats. “We are facing hardship due to this situation.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take further action as needed.
First Piper 