Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation of three major sewer and drinking water projects worth more than Rs 259 crore under the Amrit-2.0 scheme for the 18 most-affected wards and extended areas of Varanasi Municipal Corporation. However, the date of PM’s visit is yet to be finalised.The govt has already released the first instalment and the corporation has completed the tender formalities, said mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari. Stating that the central and state govts are engaged in further strengthening the basic infrastructure of Varanasi, he said the work of laying sewer and drinking water pipelines is likely to begin soon.He said that with the vision of PM Modi and the resolve of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, a revolutionary transformation in the city’s drinking water and sewer system is being undertaken. “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the leadership of the chief minister, Kashi is setting new benchmarks of development. These projects will prove to be a milestone in elevating the living standards of the people. The funds sanctioned under Amrit-2.0 will transform the picture of the city’s extended areas. Especially the people of Ramnagar and Sujabad will now get permanent relief from sewer and drinking water problems. We will ensure that all works are completed in a quality-driven and time-bound manner,” he said.A network of sewer and pipelines will be laid in the newly extended areas of Ramnagar and Sujabad. The govt has approved Rs 190 crore for the sewer network in the Ramnagar zone and for connecting every household with sewer connections. In all three wards of Ramnagar, 69.98 km of branch line and 3.4 km of rising (main) line will be laid. Besides, a 10 MLD STP and two sewer pumping stations (SPS) will be constructed. Similarly, a plan of Rs 35 crore has been given the green signal for the expansion of the clean drinking water supply in the Sujabad zone. The sewer connections will be provided to 13,645 households.The mayor said as per the order issued by joint secretary Devesh Mishra, there will be no shortage of resources for the development of Varanasi. He said that the sewer and drinking water pipelines in various areas of the city are nearly 200 years old. Therefore, sewer overflow remains a serious problem. Due to leakage, 48% of water is lost as line loss. New sewer and drinking water pipelines in 18 wards will plug leaks, boost water pressure, and end supply woes.”
