SP MP Dharmendra Yadav asked the Culture Minister a question regarding the ongoing development works at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Dharmendra Yadav asked whether the historical and mythological importance of Manikarnika Ghat is being reduced due to the ongoing construction work in the name of ‘change’ and whether the government has conducted any independent inquiry into the changes in its archaeological form.
Apart from this, the heavy concrete construction has posed a serious threat to the natural flow of river Ganga and the fundamental stability of the ghat. What is the accountability of the government in this regard, because the local administration has completely failed to stop illegal extortion from the bereaved families coming to the ghat and the chaos there. Apart from this, he also asked whether this model of ‘development’ is ignoring the interests of the local communities and the Dom community who have been living there for centuries and does the government propose to set up a high-level committee of experts to review this project?
What did the Culture Minister say about Manikarnika Ghat?
Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, replying, said that Manikarnika Ghat is not a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. However, according to information received from the District Magistrate of Varanasi, the ongoing work at Manikarnika Ghat is a restoration and conservation project aimed at restoring the strength of the ghat and improving basic amenities for families coming for cremation, as well as maintaining the natural flow of the river Ganga.
Along with this, the Union Minister informed that the restoration and conservation work will strengthen the basic stability of the ghat, as well as maintain the natural flow of the river. The local administration takes steps to provide all necessary facilities at the ghat. He said that this conservation project has been prepared by the local administration in coordination with the local communities.
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