Overview
- Congress leaders escalated criticism, accusing the Modi government of demolishing centuries-old structures at Manikarnika Ghat and calling for an immediate halt to the work.
- Varanasi district magistrate Satyendra Kumar said all artefacts were secured by the culture department and would be reinstalled in their original form after construction is completed.
- Local groups including the Pal Samaj Samiti, members of the Marathi community and the Sanatan Rakshak Dal held protests, alleging damage to consecrated idols, including a claimed Ahilyabai Holkar statue, which officials dispute.
- The Rs 17.56 crore project, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in July 2023, proposes wider pathways, upgraded cremation platforms, a wood plaza, ramps and sanitation improvements.
- Supporters of the project argue the overhaul is needed to address crowding, safety risks and hygiene at one of Hinduism’s most important cremation sites, where large numbers of funerals take place daily.