India, Oct. 8 -- LUCKNOW The surging waters of the Gomti have triggered a crisis along Lucknow's riverfront, inundating major cremation grounds and religious shrines. The rising water levels have left grieving families scrambling for space to perform last rites of their loved ones and severed access to key public spaces.

A Hindustan Times ground visit to Bhaisakund near Samta Mulak crossing, Gulalaghat and areas around the 1090 crossing on Wednesday found floodwaters entering crematoriums, public spaces and religious premises. The rising river submerged cremation platforms, cut off approach routes and forced people to shift to the few remaining usable spaces.

Of the 32 wooden cremation platforms available at Bhaisakund, only 11 remain c...