Varanasi Dalmandi Road Widening Project Resumes Demolition After Month-Long Pause
The Public Works Department (PWD) in Varanasi has recommenced the demolition of purchased buildings for the ambitious Dalmandi road widening initiative, following a suspension that lasted over a month. The operations resumed on Sunday with stringent security protocols in place to ensure a smooth and controlled process.
Joint Team Oversees Demolition of 45 Buildings
A coordinated team comprising officials from the PWD, district administration, and local police arrived in the Dalmandi area with a comprehensive list of structures slated for removal. This list included 15 buildings that were left untouched during the previous demolition drive due to the observance of Ramzan, along with 30 newly acquired properties. The resumption marks a significant step forward in the project's timeline.
PWD Executive Engineer KK Singh provided detailed insights into the progress. He stated that prior to the halt in February, a total of 25 houses had been completely demolished, while 15 others were partially razed. Before Sunday's restart, an additional 30 buildings were purchased, bringing the total number of acquired properties to 47. These acquisitions involve 176 shareholders who have received compensation exceeding Rs 32 crore for their properties.
Project Scope and Current Status
The overarching goal of the Dalmandi road widening project is to acquire or purchase a total of 187 buildings. According to Singh, while 47 buildings have been successfully purchased so far, paperwork for another 50 properties has been submitted by the owners, indicating ongoing negotiations and acquisitions. The project, valued at Rs 224 crore, aims to transform the 650-meter Dalmandi road into a 17.4-meter-wide thoroughfare. This expansion is designed to enhance accessibility to gate-4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Naisadak point on the Lahurabir-Godowlia road and alleviate traffic congestion on alternative routes, particularly the Maidagin-Godowlia corridor.
Enhanced Security Measures Implemented
To maintain order and safety during the demolition activities, robust security arrangements were deployed. ACP (Dashaswamedh) Atul Anjan Tripathi confirmed that in addition to local police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel, central paramilitary forces were stationed in and around the Dalmandi area. The security apparatus was further bolstered by the use of drones for aerial surveillance, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of the site.
Throughout the demolition process, law enforcement officials made continuous announcements, advising onlookers to maintain a safe distance as bulldozers operated to dismantle structures and clear debris. These precautions were taken to prevent any potential incidents and ensure public safety amid the large-scale infrastructure work.
The resumption of demolition underscores the administration's commitment to advancing urban development in Varanasi, with the Dalmandi road widening project poised to significantly improve local traffic flow and connectivity to key religious and cultural sites.
