Varanasi: Varanasi Municipal Corporation will intensify the drive for cleanliness, sewer maintenance and lighting arrangements across the city ahead of Navratri and other upcoming festivals.The decision was taken on Monday at a meeting of the executive committee chaired by mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari. The committee approved several public welfare and development proposals, including simplification of trade licence procedures, the ‘Kashi Gau Sanrakshan Evam Nirikshan Upvidhi 2026’ and beautification of 12 major tourist sites and ghats.In view of Navratri, Vijayadashami, Chhath Puja and Dev Deepawali, officials were directed to ensure proper cleaning and lighting on routes leading to all Navdurga temples. The committee also ordered the immediate removal of silt deposited at ghats after the Ganga flood.Deputy chairman Narsingh Das said a lot of silt had accumulated at the ghats and demanded that cleaning begin on a war footing from Tuesday. Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said work had already started and nodal officers were appointed for monitoring.Tiwari expressed displeasure over irregularities in mutation-related work in the Rishi Mandvi zone and the slow progress of sewer and water pipeline work in old wards. He directed jal nigam officials to increase manpower and install CCTV cameras immediately. The chief engineer was asked to submit progress reports on development works every 15 days.For Durga Puja immersion, councillor Ashok Maurya proposed that zonal officers hold meetings with puja organisers and identify immersion sites.Additional Municipal Commissioner Durgesh Mishra said temporary immersion ponds were in the final stage of preparation.The issue of stray animals was also discussed. Councillor Praveen Rai sought details of dog sterilisation and monkey-catching drives. Veterinary and Welfare Officer Dr Vijay Amrit Raj said the capacity of the ABC Centre at Aidh would be increased from 132 dogs to 300, while the daily sterilisation target would rise from 10–12 dogs to 20–25 dogs.On street lighting, councillor Madan Mohan Tiwari said faulty lights were not being repaired within 12 hours despite earlier orders. The Mayor clarified that street light maintenance would remain the responsibility of the executing agency for five years under the agreement.Councillors also raised concerns over damaged roads, sewer overflow, waterlogging, encroachments on drains, Smart City complaints, waste management, plantation records, pending works, tender quality and arrangements for the Ramnagar Ramlila.The Mayor directed officials to take immediate action on water drainage and ensure cleanliness, sewer management, lighting and road repairs at religious and public gathering sites during the festival season.
