When waters, people returned to city ghats

AFTER PROLONGED periods of empty ghats during summer, Ganga water has once again returned to the famous ghats of the city.

The famous ghats of the city wore a deserted look after the Ganga receded far from ghats. Even moderate downpour brought the much- needed relief to the parched ghats. This new life to the ghats is due to the increased water level of Ganga Barrage which, ultimately led to the release of water from the barrage.
Giving a new lease of life to the ghats — Parmat, Sarsiyya, Bhagwat Das, Gola, Massacre, Shidhnath and Dhodi — the rain has brought back both the water as well as the people. The water level of Ganga Barrage increased to 112.70 meters on Saturday after moderate rainfall and by Sunday evening, it came down to 112.53 meters.

The famous Anandeshwar temple on the banks of Parmat Ghat, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has undergone a sea change after the Ganga water reached Parmat Ghat and submerged submerged it. Anandeshwar temple is amongst the oldest temple in the city dedicated to lord Shiva is controlled by members of the ‘Nath’ (Naga) community. Priests belonging to the Nath community are appointed as head of the Anandeshwar temple. 

Due to the temple, people from far-flung areas visit Anandeshwar temple. But devotees used to get a rude shock after seeing the empty ghat, pointed out Anandeshwar temple chief priest Anand Shukla.

Life at Sarsiyya Ghat has also come back after the river water replenished the ghat. A shopkeeper at the Sarsiyya ghat Umesh Tewari was among the happiest persons at the ghat.

“ Garbage and filth was a common site at the ghat and devotees all together started neglecting the ghat. But now the things have altogether changed after the rain.