Video of idols being demolished at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi goes viral; authorities clarify

For the past few days, a video has been circulating on social media showing a bulldozer demolishing some idols at Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ground at the holy city of Kashi where redevelopment work is underway. Authorities said the investigation is underway in the matter.

Local residents protested against the video on Tuesday. As soon as the district administration and police received the information, senior officials reached the spot.

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Additional District Magistrate (City) Alok Verma said, “The entire matter is being investigated. As soon as we received the information, we reached the spot with the ACP and other officials. Some external elements are protesting. We are talking to the local people. The beautification work of Manikarnika Ghat has been going on for a long time. The work will be resumed after consultation with senior officials.”

The redevelopment work of Manikarnika Ghat is being done with CSR funds from the Rupa Foundation, at an estimated cost of around Rs 18 crore. The work is being carried out by a contracting agency under the supervision of the Municipal Corporation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for this project in 2023. The work was halted for several months due to floods, but now the pace of work has been accelerated to complete the project.

Under the beautification plan, two community toilets will be constructed. The total area of the ground floor will be 29,350 square feet, of which the cremation area will be 12,250 square feet. More than 30 cremation platforms and pollution-free chimneys will also be built at the ghat. A registration room, wood storage area, and waiting room will also be constructed on the ground floor.