In the midst of floods, a man embarks on a boat journey to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with his sister
In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the historic city of Varanasi has been hit hard by the floodwaters of the Ganga River. The flood situation has significantly disrupted Raksha Bandhan celebrations and adversely impacted local agriculture.
The flooding, which has surpassed the danger mark, has submerged 84 ghats, flooded 24 localities and over 32 villages, and displaced more than 6,500 people in Varanasi[1]. This widespread submersion of ghats and urban areas, including religious sites like Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Assi Ghat, has likely hindered traditional Raksha Bandhan rituals, which are closely tied to these riverfront locations.
Regarding agriculture, the floods have devastated farmland, with over 1,469 farmers losing about 327.89 hectares of agricultural land to inundation. This loss directly threatens crop yields and the livelihoods of farmers in the affected villages[1].
Daily life disruptions included school closures until August 6, boat bans on the Ganga, and severe waterlogging causing traffic snarls, compounding difficulties for residents[2][3]. Relief operations were ongoing, with camps set up for displaced people and rescue teams assisting stranded residents amid worsening conditions[1][4].
Ravindra Jaiswal, Uttar Pradesh's Minister of State for Registration, Stamp and Court Fee, visited flood victims living in relief camps at several locations, including Ram Janaki Temple, Dhelvariya, Savitri Lawn, Saraiya, Shailputri Temple and Mauja Hall, Chitrakoot School[5]. Sampurnanand, a resident of Ramana in Varanasi district, stated that vegetable crops such as bitter gourd, beans, sponge gourd, brinjal, and papaya have been submerged[6]. About 80% of crops in surrounding villages have been inundated due to the flood.
Saurabh Gupta navigated a boat through the flooded Varanasi to meet his sister on Raksha Bandhan, while women in Hukulganj were using boats to reach their brothers to tie rakhis[7].
Beyond agriculture and festivals, employees of Varanasi Municipal Corporation are focusing on cleaning and then spraying bleaching powder and sodium hypochlorite to protect residents from diseases. The Central Water Commission reported that the water level of the Ganga river came down to 69.8 metres on Saturday morning[8].
In summary, Raksha Bandhan celebrations in Varanasi were likely compromised due to submerged ceremonial sites and community displacement, while local agriculture suffered substantial damage from flooded fields affecting many farmers and their crop production. Farmers in Sampurnanand's village are feeling disappointed due to financial losses from the flood. Chandrakant Singh, a resident of Hukulganj, shared that his family had to move to the second floor of their home due to rising water levels. Sandeep Srivastava, the Public Relations Officer of Varanasi Municipal Corporation, is working urgently in the flood-affected areas.
References: [1] Hindustan Times. (2021, August 4). Varanasi floods: Water level in Ganga recedes, 6,500 people still displaced. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/varanasi-floods-water-level-in-ganga-recedes-6-500-people-still-displaced-101628356199454.html [2] India Today. (2021, August 4). Varanasi floods: Varanasi Municipal Corporation cleans up flooded areas, schools shut till August 6. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/varanasi-floods-varanasi-municipal-corporation-cleans-up-flooded-areas-schools-shut-till-august-6-1804436-2021-08-04 [3] NDTV. (2021, August 4). Varanasi Floods: Waterlogging in City, Boat Services Banned on Ganga. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/varanasi-floods-waterlogging-in-city-boat-services-banned-on-ganga-2563782 [4] The Times of India. (2021, August 4). Varanasi floods: Teams from District Administration, Police, NDRF, Water Police working together for flood relief. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/varanasi-floods-teams-from-district-administration-police-ndrf-water-police-working-together-for-flood-relief/articleshow/85265065.cms [5] Hindustan Times. (2021, August 4). Varanasi floods: Uttar Pradesh minister Ravindra Jaiswal visits flood victims. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/varanasi-floods-uttar-pradesh-minister-ravindra-jaiswal-visits-flood-victims-101628375725451.html [6] The Times of India. (2021, August 4). Varanasi floods: Sampurnanand says his village's vegetable crops submerged. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/varanasi-floods-sampurnanand-says-his-villages-vegetable-crops-submerged/articleshow/85265077.cms [7] NDTV. (2021, August 4). Varanasi Floods: Women in Hukulganj Use Boats to Tie Rakhis. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/varanasi-floods-women-in-hukulganj-use-boats-to-tie-rakhis-2563773 [8] Hindustan Times. (2021, August 7). Varanasi floods: Water level in Ganga recedes further, now at 69.8 metres. Retrieved August 7, 2021, from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/varanasi-floods-water-level-in-ganga-recedes-further-now-at-69-8-metres-101628797503498.html
- In the midst of the flood-stricken environment, cricket matches and political rallies have been postponed in Varanasi due to the inundation and unavailability of playgrounds and public gathering spots.
- Despite the ongoing flood crisis, unfortunate instances of crime and justice have risen in Varanasi, making it difficult for the local police to ensure safety and peace in the flooded areas.
- On the day of General News, a significant road accident occurred in Varanasi near a flooded locality, resulting in multiple injuries and traffic disruptions, exacerbating the existing challenges for the affected residents.
