Varanasi Taking serious note of waterlogging caused by recent rainfall, Urban Development and Energy Minister AK Sharma expressed displeasure over the prevailing situation in Varanasi and directed officials to take immediate and effective measures to provide relief to residents.During his visit to the city on Wednesday, Sharma held a review meeting with officials of the urban development and energy departments. The meeting focused on waterlogging, drainage management, sewer systems and electricity supply in the district during the ongoing rainy season.The minister said Varanasi, being an important religious and tourist city, cannot afford negligence in matters related to public facilities. He made it clear that any lapse in ensuring basic civic services would not be tolerated. Sharma said the government’s priority was to provide safe, smooth and uninterrupted services to the people.He directed officials to conduct regular field inspections. He said officials must visit affected areas, assess the situation on the ground and ensure that public complaints are resolved without delay.In view of the monsoon, Sharma instructed the district administration and all concerned departments to remain fully alert. He asked officials to keep special watch on low-lying and waterlogged areas and make advance arrangements to deal with any emergency. The minister directed officials to clean drains, remove blockages and strengthen drainage arrangements across the city. He said water drainage should not be obstructed anywhere during the rainy season and citizens should not face difficulty commuting due to water accumulation on roads.Sharma also called for better coordination among departments to ensure a permanent and effective solution to the problem of waterlogging. He said immediate action must be taken in affected localities, while long-term steps should be planned to improve the sewer and drainage network.Reviewing the functioning of the power department, the minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted and safe electricity supply in Varanasi. He said the risk of electrical accidents increases during the rainy season and, therefore, continuous inspection of electric poles, wires, transformers and other equipment was essential.He asked officials to identify potential danger points in advance and resolve them immediately. Sharma said special precautions must be taken to prevent accidents caused by broken wires, current leakage in waterlogged areas or unsafe electrical installations.
