Residents join in the cleanup of Varanasi's Ghats ahead of festivals as Ganga water recedes

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 11 : The water level of the Ganga River in Varanasi has decreased, leaving behind a large amount of soil on the ghats. Cleaning this soil has become a challenge, but with upcoming festivals like Chhath, Deepawali, Dussehra, and Dev Deepawali, the work is being carried out urgently.
The soil is still wet, which makes it easier to wash away into the river. However, if it dries up, removing it will become difficult. NGOs and local citizens have also stepped in to clean the ghats. Swift removal of the soil is seen as crucial to ensure the ghats are ready for the large number of visitors expected during the festive season.
Locals have begun volunteering their time to clear the soil through Shramdaan (voluntary work). Pawan Bawa, one of the volunteers, said, "It happens every year, so we try to do Shramdaan. We don't get money for this; we're not the municipal corporation."
Another volunteer, Aman, said, "The cleaning is because of Jitiya. Like every year, we are doing it this year too. As the water level recedes, the cleaning work will continue to enable devotees to take a bath. So, until the water level is back to normal, the cleanup drive will continue."
Akash, another volunteer, added, "All the silt will be cleaned up. The drive will continue for a month and is going on day and night."
One of the main concerns is that while the soil is being removed from the ghats, it is being washed back into the Ganga. This raises worries about the riverbed filling up, which could make the Ganga shallow over time.
Meanwhile on September 1, the national 'Clean Ganga' mission has approved five projects worth Rs 73 crore for Uttar Pradesh. Among these, a key initiative is the establishment of a Smart Laboratory for Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi. This project aims to leverage global expertise and sustainable practices to enhance the Ganga's ecosystem and rejuvenate smaller rivers across India.