garbage-exposed-as-heat-shrinks-ganga-in-varanasi

The scorching summer heat has taken its toll on people across the country, with north India bearing the brunt of rising temperatures. 

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the impact of the relentless heat wave is evident as the water level of the Ganga river has reached an all-time low. 

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Due to the scorching heat in Varanasi, the water level of Ganga has reached its lowest level to date. Usually, the width of Ganga in June used to be around 70 to 80 meters, which has now shrunk to 30 to 35 meters.

Due to the low water level, the Ganga… pic.twitter.com/ivxhi3gMjZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2024

Normally spanning 70 to 80 meters in June, the width of the Ganga has dwindled to a mere 30 to 35 meters, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The Ganga has retreated from the ghats due to the low water level, leaving behind broken boats, scattered garbage, and damaged boulders that detract from the ghats' natural beauty.

In some parts of Uttar Pradesh, oppressive heat waves have pushed temperatures beyond 45 degrees Celsius.

The streets and ghats of Varanasi lay deserted well into the afternoon as people sought refuge from the intense heat.

Local residents are anxiously awaiting relief in the form of rain. The water level of the Ganga continues to recede, sinking below many of the ghats.