On November 9, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated & Laid the Foundation Stone of Multiple development projects for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh related to Agriculture, Tourism and Infrastructure. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) the Total cost implication of these projects is INR 614 crore.
He launched 16 schemes worth INR 220 Crore and highlighted the beginning of work on 14 schemes worth INR 400 crore in Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath was present during the virtual event.
Key Points:
i.The projects inaugurated include upgradation of Sarnath Light and Sound show, upgradation of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital Ramnagar, sewerage related works, infrastructure facilities for protection, conservation of cows, multipurpose seed storehouse, Sampurnanand Stadium.
ii.He also inaugurated 105 Anganwadi Kendras and 102 Gau Ashray Kendras.
iii.He laid foundation stones for redevelopment of Dashashwamedh Ghat and Khidkiya Ghat, Barracks for Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (UP-PAC) or Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC), upgradation of multi-purpose hall in Girija Devi Sanskritik Sankul, repair work of roads in the city and development of tourist places, and parking facility along with redevelopment of park in Beniya Bagh.
Highlights from PM Modi’s Speech:
i.He announced the completion of renovation of sewage treatment plant project under Ganga Action Plan.
ii.He highlighted the infrastructure works like Decoration of Ghats, Introduction of CNG (Combined Natural Gas) to reduce pollution, Tourist Plaza at Dashashwamedh Ghat for development of Varanasi.
iii.The initiatives to improve the life of farmers of Varanasi include establishment of International Rice Institute, Milk Processing Plant, Construction of Perishable Cargo Center.
iv.Vegetables, Fruits and Paddy grown in varanasi have been exported Abroad for the first time.
v.He highlighted the launch of ‘Swamitva Yojana’ which provides legal rights to people living in villages on their lands and houses, which was launched to lessen the scope for property disputes.
Recent Related News:
i.On April 23, 2020, Uttar Pradesh (UP) becomes the 1st state with a software-based in-house facility of virtual courts, where a requisite infrastructure in Allahabad High Court and all district courts of Uttar Pradesh to hear cases through video conferencing as there is lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Governor – Anandiben Patel
Capital– Lucknow
