VARANASI, Aug. 26 -- After staying steady for about a week, the water level in the Ganga started rising in Varanasi on Monday. According to the Central Water Commission, the level of the river rose to 67.22 meters on Monday from 67.02 meters on Sunday. The rising trend continues. Meanwhile, boat operations have resumed on the river with a condition. Boatmen have been allowed to operate boats for showing Ganga Aarti only. In any case, passengers beyond 40% of the boat capacity are not allowed. Due to the swollen Ganga, operation of small and big boats has been stopped since July 10. About 1,200 boats have weighed anchor. Meanwhile, the boatmen community under Pramod Manjhi and Rakesh Sahni demanded that the boat operations resume since operation of boats has been stopped for 45 days. They held a meeting and apprised officials of their demand. The water police gave relief to the boatmen and allowed the devotees to sit in the boat and show Ganga Aarti from Monday. The acting in-charge of the water police, Shashi Pratap Singh, said that boatmen have been instructed that only 40% capacity of the boat should be used. Wearing a life jacket will be mandatory. Strict action will be taken against violation of rules. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation will be recommended to seize the boat and suspend the licence....