Varanasi, Aug. 22 -- The water level of the Ganga River in Varanasi continues to rise steadily, reaching 68.74 metres, with the rising waters cutting off connectivity between all ghats.

According to the Central Water Commission report, the river is rising at a rate of 20 millimetres per hour. In view of the rising water level and to prevent any untoward incident, the district administration has banned the operation of all boats in the Ganga.

All small and big boats have been docked along the ghats, while the river has started taking a fierce form. Officials said if the water level continues to rise at the current pace, it could reach the danger mark soon.

The danger mark of the Ganga in Varanasi is 71.26 metres, which is only a few met...