VARANASI: How serious the district administration is about taking the conservation and renovation of ponds and water bodies can be seen from the fact that the local committee which looks after the status of conservation of ponds expired in January but it has not been revised till now. Divisional commissioner, Chanchal Kumar Tiwari ordered the officials to revive the committee which consists of 20 people including divisional commissioner, DIG, district magistrate and other officials.

While holding a meeting with officials regarding the preservation and conservation of ponds of the city, Tiwari emphasised on the removal of illegal encroachment on ponds and other bodies. He informed that out of Rs 4.28 crore sanctioned for the rennovation of Sarang Talab, Rs 42 lakh had been released. He asked the vice chairman of VDA to inform about the problem being faced to start this project at Sarang Talab. He asled asked for the detail of utilisation of the released funds. He added that Pisach Mochan talab will also be renovated with Rs 7.28 crore.

Meanwhile, DM, Pranjal Yadav assured that the removal of illegal encroachment from Sarang Talab, Sonbhadra Talab and Gobhabai Talab will start from March itself. He also said the status of ponds and water bodies will be reviewed every month and full efforts will be taken to check the encroachment from the ponds of the city.

Municipal Commissioner, RP Singh informed that the Pushkar Talab and Shivpur Talab have been listed for renovation under Heritage Cell of Varanasi Municipal Corporation. The detailed project reports for the renovation of these ponds have also been prepared. Tiwari emphasised on the removal of encroachments from all mythological and important ponds.