Indian Express 28.10.2010
Facelift for ghats on cards
Tags : Varanasi Municipal Corporation, VMC, Ganga River Pollution Control Project Posted: Thu Oct 28 2010, 06:01 hrs
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) will complete the task of preparing the layout plan for the renovation and construction of dhobi ghats in the city by November-end.
Being implemented as part of the Ganga River Pollution Control Project, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project will see renovation of the existing ghats between Konia and Nadesar areas. Moreover, seven new ghats will be constructed on the outskirts of the city. According to officials, planning for the project will start after Diwali and be completed within the month, after which the VMC will invite tenders.
In this regard, Varanasi Mayor Kaushalendra Singh had addressed a meeting of VMC and Jal Nigam officials on Monday. “The first task to be taken up will be the renovation and construction of ghats, along with construction of public toilets. A JICA team has already visited the city and marked the ghats to be renovated and the areas where new dhobi ghats will be constructed. We will begin planning work after Diwali, where JICA experts will also participate,” said Singh.
As the ghats contribute considerably to river pollution, the new ones will be planned in accordance to the 120 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant, which has been approved under the project.
