Varanasi, March 1: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath kicked off his two-day visit to the holy city with a comprehensive review of development projects, infrastructure initiatives, and law enforcement at the Circuit House auditorium on Sunday. In a firm directive to officials, he emphasized that no complaints of police misconduct towards devotees at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple should surface. ‘There must be no disorder here,’ he asserted, instructing both police and temple administration to implement immediate improvements in crowd management.
The CM highlighted the need for seamless access to shops within the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, ensuring items are sold at fair prices. ‘Religious sites are places of faith, not profit centers,’ he remarked, urging enhanced facilities for pilgrims. He also called for ramping up manpower to accelerate construction at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats.
Preserving historical heritage during construction near ghats and temples is non-negotiable, Yogi stressed. He directed swift progress on the ropeway station at Godowlia, prioritizing robust boarding and deboarding arrangements. Under the Amrut-2 scheme, sewerage and water supply projects must proceed methodically, with zero tolerance for negligence. Damaged roads from these works should be repaired on priority.
Affordability was key in his instructions for ropeway fares. To bolster cleanliness, he advocated machine usage and designated vending zones alongside Kanha Upvan and street dog centers at suitable locations. Widening Dalmandi road requires prompt compensation and execution, while underground cabling of power lines must adhere to standards for public safety.
Summer water shortages are unacceptable, the CM warned. During the law and order review, he mandated religious activities strictly within temple premises, banning new traditions. Crackdowns on loud silencers, pressure horns, and roadside encroachments were ordered. Police must educate schoolchildren on traffic rules and target real culprits in Codeine Cough Syrup rackets.
Vigilance against illicit liquor sales and transport is crucial, especially ahead of festivals. Pending revenue cases must be resolved efficiently, with regular public hearings based on merit. Traffic management demands polite police conduct, gym inspections including female trainers, and action against errant personnel. Comprehensive arrangements for Holi and upcoming festivals were instructed.
Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam presented upcoming projects, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar detailed 74 projects worth Rs 17,000 crore, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal covered crime stats, and ADG Piyush Mordia briefed on upcoming police exams.