Latest news with #PulkitGarg
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
VDA begins campaign on new building bylaws
Varanasi: The Varanasi Development Authority has intensified its campaign to make people aware of the UP Development Authority Building Construction and Development Bylaws-2025, as well as the Model Zoning Regulation-2025. Speaking to TOI after the launch of the awareness campaign, VDA vice chairman Pulkit Garg said that following the state govt's approval of the Building Construction and Development Bylaws-2025, which aims to streamline construction processes, promote green buildings, and encourage vertical growth, the authority in Varanasi has started its promotion. By holding workshops and other events, the agency is highlighting how it will be beneficial for builders and building owners. Concerns generated by provisions like approving maps along with a minimum of 9 meters of existing roads only, in new developing areas, are also being tackled by officials. The first major workshop in regards to this was organised by the VDA on July 24 at the cultural complex Chowkaghat. The vice chairman introduced the main points of the byelwas, such as registration by depositing a token amount of Rs 1 for 100 square meters of residential construction and 30 square meters of commercial construction, setting a time limit for obtaining no-objection certificates ((NOC) from the relevant departments, removal of ground coverage restrictions, increase in floor area ratio, no no-objection certificate required for hotels, medical facilities, paying guest/home stays, relaxation in standards for industrial units, and simplification of zoning regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Town planner Prabhat Kumar discussed the intricacies of the byelaws in detail. UP Minister (Independent Charge/MLA Varanasi North) Ravindra Jaiswal suggested that awareness campaigns/workshops should be organised with the participation of young people with technical education (BTech, BArch, and ITI Civil) from the city to make bylaws and Model Zoning Regulation-2025 more effective. UP minister Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu, MLAs Saurabh Srivastava, Tribhuvan Ram, Neel Ratan Neelu and Ramesh Jaiswal were present among others.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
City to get eco-friendly library to promote zero carbon emissions
1 2 3 Varanasi: To develop a 'Net Zero Library', MoU was signed by heads of NHPC Ltd (CSR & SD) and Varanasi Development Authority's additional secretary on Wednesday in presence of VDA vice chairman Pulkit Garg and NHPC Ltd's director, Uttam Lal. The proposed Net Zero Library will offer a blend of environmental balance, cultural awareness and modern educational facilities. The project will serve as a milestone in line with PM Narendra Modi's commitment to making India a land of net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The library is being developed by VDA at a cost of Rs 20 crore with financial support from NHPC Ltd to uphold the spiritual city as a model of sustainable urban to VDA, the library's wave-like façade is inspired by the Ganga, reflecting architecture of traditional the holy city's worship sites. Arches, vertical lines and illuminated corridors will give it the form of a temple of knowledge, while combining modernity with tradition. Arranged on three floors, the library will have a multipurpose auditorium, children's reading area, cafeteria and toy zone on the ground floor. First floor of the library will comprise large reading rooms, digital library and a historical-cultural gallery, while second floor will hold the building management system and a biodiverse green terrace. The sustainable and smart structure will be equipped with a solar-powered roof, rainwater harvesting system, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, besides environment-friendly construction materials, water waste treatment and reuse system, 40% energy savings through chilled water circulation and a smart water monitoring and leak detection system. The library's total built-up area is 20,930 square feet with user capacity for 500 people and over 35,000 books. This library is going to be fully accessible for individuals of all ages, classes and abilities. Separate areas are designated for cultural events, workshops and administrative activities. There will not only be a reading space but also a centre for community engagement, lifelong learning and cultural expression. It represents a forward-looking and sustainable initiative for the comprehensive development of Varanasi.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Varanasi Development Authority develops 'Net Zero library'
VARANASI: The is developing a Net Zero Library, a symbol of knowledge, culture, and sustainable development in Varanasi. An MoU was signed by the heads of NHPC Limited (CSR & SD) and VDA's additional secretary regarding the "Net Zero Library" project on Wednesday in the presence of VDA Vice Chairman, Pulkit Garg, and NHPC Limited's Director, Uttam Lal. As part of an innovative initiative in Varanasi, the construction of the Net Zero Library is proposed, offering a remarkable blend of environmental balance, cultural awareness, and modern educational facilities. This project will serve as a milestone in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to making India net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The library is being developed by the VDA with financial support from NHPC Limited, aiming to establish the spiritual city of Varanasi as an ideal model of sustainable urban development, with a total cost of Rs 20 crores. According to VDA officials, the library's wave-like façade is inspired by the sacred Ganga, reflecting the architecture of traditional worship sites. Arches, vertical lines, and illuminated corridors give it the form of a temple of knowledge. The building is a balanced blend of modernity and tradition. Spread across three floors, the library will have a multipurpose auditorium, children's reading area, cafeteria, and toy zone on the ground floor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Brain Health Learn More Undo The first floor of the library will have large reading rooms, a digital library, and a historical-cultural gallery, while the second floor will include a building management system and a biodiverse green terrace. The sustainable and smart structure will be equipped with a solar-powered roof, rainwater harvesting system, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, environmentally friendly construction materials, water waste treatment and reuse system, 40% energy savings through chilled water circulation, and a smart water monitoring and leak detection system. The library's total built-up area is 20,930 square feet with user capacity for 500 people and over 35,000 books. This library is fully accessible for individuals of all ages, classes, and abilities. Separate areas are designated for cultural events, workshops, and administrative activities. This library will not only be a reading space but also a centre for community engagement, lifelong learning, and cultural expression. It represents a forward-looking and sustainable initiative for the comprehensive development of Varanasi.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Time of India
VDA to build ramp for Divyang & elderly at Ravidas ghat in Kashi
Varanasi: The Varanasi Development Authority is set to install a ramp at Ravidas ghat, making it easier for elderly and Divyang individuals (people with disabilities) to board cruise rides on the Ganga river. Currently, the steep steps pose a significant challenge for these individuals, often forcing them to abandon their plans for a cruise ride. With the new ramp, accessibility and comfort will be greatly improved. VDA vice-chairman Pulkit Garg said, "We have finalised a proposal to construct a ramp at Ravidas ghat to facilitate people with disabilities and the elderly. Necessary approval has been obtained from the infrastructure fund for this project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 50 lakh. The work will be carried out by inviting e-tenders as per regulations." The new ramp will soon enable people with disabilities and the elderly to comfortably board cruise rides on the Ganga river, allowing them to participate in sightseeing, Ganga aarti viewing, and other religious activities. The ramp will provide direct access from the ghat to the boats, bridging a substantial height difference between the entrance point at Ravidas Park and the lowest step. This development is particularly noteworthy as Varanasi is set to launch a 50-seat air-conditioned electric boat for tourists at Ravidas ghat, enhancing the city's religious tourism infrastructure. The proposed ramp is being designed according to accessibility standards for people with disabilities, with a slope ratio of 1:12. Approximately 150 metres long, the ramp will be smooth, safe, and durable.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cantt sidewalk to display cultural heritage of Kashi
Varanasi: In an initiative aimed at merging tourism with tradition, a 500-metre-long sidewalk stretch along Mall Road—from JHV Mall to Victory Bridge—is set to be transformed into a vibrant cultural corridor showcasing the handicrafts, GI-tagged and ODOP (One District One Product) products of Kashi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project, jointly undertaken by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and the Cantonment Board, will feature sculptures made from scrap representing iconic Varanasi crafts such as wooden lacquerware toys, pink enamel (Gulabi Meenakari) work, and Banarasi sarees. The area, known as a hub of hotels and a preferred stay zone for lakhs of tourists annually, is being developed to promote local artisans and create a more engaging experience for visitors. VDA Vice President Pulkit Garg said the sidewalk redevelopment will also address the issue of unorganised parking that currently inconveniences pedestrians on this key tourist route. The initiative will not only streamline foot traffic but also serve as a cultural experience centre. "Mall Road connects many hotels and receives high tourist footfall. We are creating a modern, safe, and culturally rich pedestrian space that promotes our GI-tagged goods while offering tourists a memorable walking experience," Garg said. The redesigned stretch will include a 2.5-metre-wide pedestrian path, signage about nearby tourist attractions, seating areas, landscaping, dedicated selfie points, decorative lighting, and designated parking zones to improve accessibility and ambiance. Officials said use of scrap materials to create art installations not only highlights sustainability but also provides a creative platform for local artists and artisans. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The integration of traditional art with modern urban planning is what makes this initiative special," said an official involved in the planning process. Once completed, the cultural sidewalk is expected to become a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists, enhancing Varanasi's profile as not just a spiritual hub, but also a centre for heritage tourism and local craftsmanship.
