Dry patches surface in Ganga
VARANASI: The rising mercury and a receding water level have resulted in two big, dry patches surfacing in the Ganga near Samne Ghat in Varanasi.
The dry patches have caused concern among the locals and the administration. The receding trend is noticed in summer every year. District magistrate Yogeshwar Ram Mishra has written a letter to the Ram Ganga project chief engineer for releasing more water in the river from the Narora dam. Mishra also spoke to the officials concerned to address the issue. “Responding positively to the letter, the project officials have released water from Narora dam to maintain normal water level in the Ganga,” Mishra told Hindustan Times. Once the water reaches Varanasi, the situation will return to normal.
Prabhu Sahani, a boatman, said the water level receded in the last few days but was stable now. The central water commission said the Ganga normally flowed at 59.78 metres in Varanasi. PK Mishra, professor at the IITBHU’s chemical engineering department, also expressed concern over a decrease in the water level. “As the water level recedes, pollution will increase in the river since many drains are emptying indiscriminately into the river.” He also said the high pollution level in the river will pose to a threat to aquatic life. The devotees, who take a dip in the Ganga daily, have also expressed concern over the emergence of the dry patches.