The Public Works Department (PWD) in Varanasi has significantly intensified its demolition drive for the crucial Dalmandi road-widening project. The operation, which recommenced on Wednesday afternoon, gained substantial momentum on Thursday under a blanket of heightened security.
Demolition Proceeds Under Aerial Surveillance
Amidst a robust security cordon around the two buildings being pulled down, the demolition work progressed at a rapid pace. Authorities left no stone unturned to ensure order. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dashaswamedh), Atul Anjan Tripathi, who supervised the police and other security forces, confirmed that apart from ground-level force deployment, aerial monitoring of the nearby areas was conducted using drones.
Acquisition and Compensation Status
This fresh push follows a pause in November. The PWD had previously halted demolition after clearing six buildings on November 20. In the interim, the department moved forward with property acquisition. Officials stated that 20 buildings were purchased before the demolition work restarted.
Out of the total 187 buildings identified for demolition to facilitate this project, compensation has been disbursed to 62 shareholders of these 20 purchased buildings. Furthermore, the process to acquire an additional 20 buildings is currently underway, with the examination of their relevant documents having begun.
Project Details and Chief Minister's Directive
The ambitious ₹224 crore project aims to widen the 650-metre Dalmandi road into a 17.4-metre-wide thoroughfare. The primary objective is to create a proper access route to Gate 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Lahurabir-Godowlia road at the Naisadak point. The project is slated for completion in 2025.
The drive received high-level impetus during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to the city on January 3. During his stay, the CM issued clear instructions to expedite the entire process to ensure the project is finished at the earliest possible date.
