Varanasi Boatmen Struggle as Ganga's Rising Waters Halt Services

In Varanasi, the suspension of boat services on the Ganga River for the last 20 days has left local boatmen facing extreme hardship due to rising water levels. Suresh Sahni, a boatman, expressed to ANI that the situation may persist for another couple of months without any government support in sight.

Sahni lamented, "Our condition is very bad right now; we are somehow managing. The boating will stay closed for two more months. The government is not providing us with any support. It has been almost 15-20 days since the boating has been closed, and no one has come to see how things are." He added their demand for assistance remains unmet despite the government's promise to aid the poor.

Ballu Sahni, another boatman, noted that many in their community have resorted to loans as their savings dwindle. "Between Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat, lakhs of people's livelihoods have come to a halt." He alleged a lack of support from the government, leaving many to sell household items to survive.

Following continuous heavy rainfall in Varanasi, the Ganga's rising waters have caused flooding in residential areas, prompting reliance on rescue teams. Resident Prakash Ram recounted the difficulties faced, "It's been 5-6 days; we are stuck...can't go outside."

Pankaj Kumar Tiwari, the SDRF in charge, assured ongoing rescue and relief efforts, stating, "People are trapped in submerged houses... they are being rescued and taken to relief camps." The India Meteorological Department reported isolated heavy rainfall in the region, exacerbating the flood conditions.