VARANASI: The Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) is engaged in rectifying the drainage system in the city before the monsoon. The work of cleaning drains is already underway. To further accelerate the cleaning of drains, mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari inaugurated the state-of-the-art amphibious drain master machine, costing ₹1.80 crore, on Thursday. After the inauguration, the Mayor himself operated the machine and tested its functioning.This machine, owing to its unique technology, is capable of working smoothly in all three conditions — dry surfaces, deep sludge and water. With a waste disposal capacity of 30 tonnes per day, this machine will be primarily used for cleaning the city’s major drains, ponds and lakes as well as for removing silt (sludge) accumulated in the Ganga and Varuna rivers. With the arrival of this machine, there is a strong possibility of getting significant relief from the waterlogging problem during the rainy season.After the inauguration of the machine, the mayor and municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal jointly conducted an intensive inspection of the Sankat Mochan culvert and various drains in the Assi area. The team inspected the drain in front of Ravidas Park, Assi Nala and the under-construction multi-storage parking near Assi Ghat. During the inspection, when the cleanliness and maintenance conditions at Ratnakar Park were found unsatisfactory, the mayor expressed strong displeasure. He directed the concerned officials to improve the arrangements immediately.The mayor made it clear that citizens should not face any kind of inconvenience during the rains and that the desilting work of all drains must be completed within the stipulated time frame.Additional municipal commissioner Savita Yadav along with other senior officials and employees of the Nagar Nigam were present on the occasion.Sundar attendsGanga Aarti at DashashwamedhVaranasi: Cricketer Washington Sundar, who is known in the India team for his unique style, along with his friends, participated in the world-famous Maa Ganga Aarti organized by Ganga Seva Nidhi at Dashashwamedh Ghat on Thursday evening.He performed worship of Maa Ganga according to Vedic rituals and also appeared mesmerized while watching the aarti of Maa Ganga. Sundar is currently playing for Gujarat Titans. Recently, he achieved a major milestone by scoring his career’s first half-century for Gujarat in IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC).Ganga Seva Nidhi president Sushant Mishra, treasurer Ashish Tiwari and secretary Hanuman Yadav welcomed him by presenting an Ang Vastra, Rudraksha mala and prasad.In the Ganga Seva Nidhi visitor book, he wrote that it was wonderful and he would feel like coming here again and again. He was present at Dashashwamedh Ghat for approximately an hour. The people present during the Maa Ganga Aarti appeared excited upon seeing Washington Sundar.
