After nine consecutive days of rising by five meters, the water level of the Ganga River in Varanasi began to recede on Wednesday, August 7, 2025, dropping by approximately two centimeters per hour. However, the reduced backflow from the Varuna and Assi rivers has not yet brought significant relief to residents. Floodwaters that had inundated streets and lanes are gradually retreating to the steps of the ghats, but challenges persist across the city.
At the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ganga is now flowing 12 steps below the Ganga Dwar, with Lalita Ghat and surrounding walls still submerged. Namo Ghat remained closed for the third consecutive day, with no access allowed for tourists or devotees. At Rajghat, floodwater that had reached the road has receded back to the ghat steps, and the tops of some temple spires are now visible above the water.
At Manikarnika Ghat, floodwater has slightly retreated from the lanes near Satua Baba Ashram, but cremations remain severely disrupted. Bodies are being transported by boat through flooded routes and cremated on rooftops, with only seven to eight pyres operational at a time, causing delays of up to six hours for families.
In rural areas, villages such as Ramchandipur, Mokalpur, Gobrha, Rampur, Retapar, Mustafabad, Chandpur, Chhitauna, Lutha, and Shivdasha in the Dhab area of Chirai village remain submerged, with main access roads cut off. The Additional District Magistrate (Finance) confirmed that relief materials, fodder, and food supplies are being distributed under the supervision of revenue teams. Regional Naib Tehsildar Surekha Verma reported that 37 boats have been deployed by the administration to assist flood-affected villages.
As the water level recedes, efforts to restore essential services have begun. Thirteen power substations in Varanasi, previously affected by flooding, had their electricity supply cut off as a precaution since Tuesday. With water levels dropping, the power corporation has initiated restoration efforts. Chief Engineer Rakesh Pandey stated that electricity supply is being restored in areas like Ramna and Shooltankeshwar feeders, where water has receded, while adhering to safety protocols. Consumers in these areas are beginning to experience relief as normalcy returns.
