Chief Minister reviews development and law and order in Varanasi, directs strict measures
Indiatimes March 02, 2026 07:41 PM
During his two-day visit to Varanasi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a detailed review of ongoing development projects, construction work, and law and order arrangements in the district. The Chief Minister emphasized that devotees visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham should not face any misbehavior or inconvenience, and directed officials to ensure smooth arrangements at the temple and surrounding areas.
Officials were instructed to maintain proper access to shops constructed in the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and to ensure that the prices of items remain reasonable for visitors. CM Yogi also highlighted that religious institutions should prioritize faith and service rather than profit.
The Chief Minister called for an expedited completion of construction at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats through increased manpower, while ensuring the preservation of heritage sites near the ghats and temples. Work at the under-construction ropeway station at Godowlia was also directed to progress swiftly, with proper arrangements for passenger boarding and deboarding.
City infrastructure projects under the AMRUT-2 scheme, including sewerage and water supply, were instructed to be executed systematically, with intensive monitoring to avoid negligence. Roads damaged during construction were to be repaired on priority. CM Yogi directed that ropeway fares remain reasonable and suitable locations be identified for organized vending zones, Kanha Upvan, and a street dog center.
Other instructions included completing the widening of Daalmandi Road with proper compensation, underground cabling for electricity to ensure public safety, and maintaining uninterrupted drinking water supply during summer. Law and order directives included confining religious activities to designated sites, stopping the use of loud horns, and promoting traffic awareness among schoolchildren.
The Chief Minister also ordered strict action against illegal trade of codeine cough syrup, spurious liquor, and other illicit activities. Officials were directed to conduct regular public hearings, resolve pending revenue cases efficiently, and hold periodic meetings with trade and industry representatives.
Officials present included Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal, ADG Zone Piyush Mordia, Stamp and Registration Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, and several other district-level and municipal authorities.
Currently, 74 projects worth approximately ₹17,000 crore are underway in Varanasi, spanning infrastructure, public utilities, and civic development initiatives.
