UP wants ban on construction of ghats lifted, HC for experts

That order was passed on a PIL filed by Kautilya Society, pointing to a large number of illegal constructions that had come up along the river posing risk to the ecology and overall heritage nature of the Varanasi ghats. The PIL is still being heard by the court, as various other issues related to beautification and conservation of the river has been raised through it. Yadav’s application was part of the same hearing.

The state’s argument is it had already proposed construction of four new ghats along the river — Madan Mohan Malviya Ghat, Raj Narayan Ghat, Ramnagar Ghat and Ram Manohar Lohia Ghat. Barring Ramnagar, the rest of the ghats would have come up on the right end of Assi Ghat, which is on the right side of the nearly seven-km-long stretch of the world famous Varanasi ghats. The government added it had also released Rs 80 crore funds for the purpose. But due to the ban, Yadav’s application said, the funds were unutilised.

“The court has asked us to consult all agencies and stakeholders in the matter to ensure that no damage is done to the heritage character of the ghats and also to the ecological balance,” Yadav said.