Varanasi: Several chronic waterlogging points across the city have been eliminated as part of advance monsoon preparations and sustained cleaning of drains, sewer lines and gully pits, officials said on Friday.Civic authorities claimed that despite heavy rainfall this year, many areas that earlier witnessed severe and prolonged waterlogging have recorded quicker drainage and shorter periods of stagnation. In past monsoons, localities such as Teliyabagh, Andhrapul underpass, Bhadau Chungi, Maldahiya crossing, the road in front of GGIC School, Lahurabir, Godowlia, Sigra, Mahmoorganj, Gurubagh and Rath Yatra would often remain inundated for hours after the first major spell of rain.Officials attributed the improvement to a special action plan drawn up by Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) ahead of the monsoon season. They said key drains, sewer lines and gully pits were cleaned in advance, allowing rainwater to recede quickly in several vulnerable areas once showers stopped. The civic body said the work was backed by months of preparation and routine administrative monitoring.Under Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, VMC launched a citywide cleaning campaign in February, targeting major and minor drains, sewer lines and gully pits.Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal and other senior officials have been carrying out regular field inspections, particularly in low-lying zones that historically record repeated waterlogging.Where stagnation persists due to slope-related problems or technical faults, officials said pumps are being deployed to drain accumulated water. However, the corporation flagged floating waste as an ongoing challenge, with rainwater carrying garbage and plastic that can choke drain mouths and sewer lines. Special sanitation teams have been assigned to monitor vulnerable locations and clear waste from openings and grilles to maintain water flow.VMC is also undertaking longer-term upgrades to expand drainage and sewerage capacity. More than 200 old and damaged sewerage points are being repaired and upgraded. In addition, sewer and drinking water pipelines in 22 old wards are being replaced under a project estimated at around ₹2,000 crore, officials said, adding that these works are expected to improve drainage in the old city over the coming years. Technical assessments of this year’s rainfall pattern and waterlogging-prone sites are also underway, with experts contributing to a permanent drainage plan.Officials said civic responsibilities have grown after the municipal area expanded from 84 sq km to 186 sq km with the inclusion of 84 villages, Ramnagar and Sujabad. Pressure on services has also increased due to a daily floating population of three to four lakh tourists and devotees. Several newly added areas lack proper sewer and drainage networks, while some existing systems remain poorly planned. The corporation said it is preparing a master plan to lay new sewer lines, drainage networks and drinking water pipelines in expanded areas.
