Drive to remove encroachments from Ganga ghats begins

Varanasi, June 19 (UNI) A special drive to remove encroachments and unauthorised constructions from the world famous Ganga ghats began here today.

A team of Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) embarked on the drive by initiating demolition proceedings against a four-storeyed under-construction complex owned by one Rajesh Agarwal near the Jain Ghat, one of the 80-odd ghats dotting the holy river in this tourist hot spot.

The team, led by VDA secretary R P Singh, was accompanied by heavy police force under the supervision of Additional Police Superintendent Dipak Kumar.

The drive was carried out successfully despite protest by local residents, including women. Police used mild force to disperse the mob which tried to stall the demolitions.

''The special drive has been started to free the majestic riverfront from unauthorised constructions, including commercial complexes like hotels and lodges constructed after 1998,'' Mr Singh said.

A total of 311 illegal constructions on the six kilometer stretch spanning from Samne Ghat to Rajghat, have been identified and their videograophy done. These constructions had taken place after 1998 in violation of a Uttar Pradesh government order that prohibits any permanent construction within a radius of 200 metres from the Ganga river, he added.

Mr Singh further said, no one will be spared in this drive, aimed at restoring the imperial charm of Ganga Ghats -- one of the tourist mainstays of this oldest living city.

After the demolition of the illegal constructions, follow up action will also be taken to ensure no more constructions on the concerned spots.

UNI