Ganga inching towards danger mark in Varanasi, several other UP districts

Varanasi: Water level in a surging Ganga was inching closer to the danger mark in Varanasi district, leaving residents of low-lying areas - many of whom had been relocated earlier this month when floodwaters submerged the localities - worried.

The river's water level crossed the warning mark of 70.3 metres in Varanasi on Tuesday night.Central Water Commission said the Ganga was rising steadily at a rate of 3cm per hour and touched 70.7 metres by 6pm Wednesday. The danger level is 71.3 metres. The river had swelled nearly a metre above the danger level before receding on Aug 6. With the fresh surge, the Ganga has again begun flooding into its tributary, Varuna, forcing people from low-lying areas to move towards relief camps. District administration officials were maintaining round-the-clock vigil.The river's water level was also rising in adjoining Mirzapur, Ghazipur and Ballia districts. Having maintained an upward trend for 48 hours, the Ganga and the Yamuna were nearing the danger mark in Prayagraj on Wednesday evening.