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Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Varanasi Nagar Nigam drive for registration of pet dogs
Varanasi: The Varanasi Nagar Nigam is conducting home-to-home inspections and health checks of pet dogs in the city. Under the direction of municipal commissioner Akshat Verma, animal welfare officer Santosh Pal and his team conducted a registration check in Bridge Enclave Colony on Thursday. The team inspected 50 homes in the colony, finding pet dogs in nine of them. It was discovered that eight of these dogs were not registered. The municipal team registered all eight dogs on the spot using the Smart Kashi app and also conducted health checks. Verma urged all residents with pet dogs to register them through the Smart Kashi app. "If a dog is found unregistered during an inspection, a fine of Rs 5000 will be imposed, and the dog will be seized," said Verma.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Drain cleaning, beautification drive in focus as UP minister reviews projects
1 2 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.
