Drain cleaning, beautification drive in focus as UP minister reviews projects
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Varanasi: Urban Development Minister AK Sharma on Tuesday chaired a review meeting of the department here, with focus on drain cleaning, water management, anti-encroachment measures, and beautification projects across the city.
Municipal commissioner Akshat Verma presented a detailed overview of the ongoing civic works under the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC).
Verma highlighted the phased cleaning of sewer lines and stormwater drains using advanced equipment, including super sucker and bucket machines, being carried out by the Water Works department. To tackle waterlogging ahead of the monsoon, the commissioner informed that 80 vulnerable locations have been identified, with adequate pump arrangements already in place.
He also briefed the minister about the city's water supply system, which is currently supported by two water treatment plants (WTPs), along with the installation of 41 new tube wells and 152 hand pumps.
Verma said that a zone-wise identification of encroachments has been completed and notices are being served to violators, mandating removal within two days. A dedicated anti-encroachment campaign will commence from May 30, with fines to be imposed on defaulters.
The commissioner also updated the minister on various development initiatives underway, including the construction of a Senior Care Center and a City Facility Center, progress on municipal bond initiatives, beautification of city ponds, the CM Grid project, digitisation of birth and death records, and the rollout of the Smart Kashi mobile application.
Issuing directives, Minister Sharma instructed that 100 percent cleaning of all drains and sewers — both large and small — must be completed within the next 15 days.
He emphasized timely removal of silt and the enforcement of anti-encroachment measures without delay. Sharma also suggested landscaping road shoulders with grass or creating pedestrian pathways, and stressed the goal of making Varanasi dust-free.
He called for better organisation of street vendors and intensified public awareness to prevent littering.
Highlighting the cultural significance of the city, the minister directed that memorials be constructed near the residences of notable personalities and Padma awardees as part of a broader beautification initiative.
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