Manikarnika Ghat ‘Not a Protected Monument’ Under ASI, Lok Sabha Told
New Delhi: The ancient site of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is “not a protected monument” under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the government told parliament, amid controversy over the ongoing redevelopment work at the ghat.
In a written reply to a query in the Lok Sabha, on Monday (March 9), Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed that the ongoing work is “a restoration and conservation project aimed at restoring the strength of the Ghat”.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dharmendra Yadav had raised the question if Manikarnika Ghat was losing its historical and mythological originality due to construction works being carried out in the name of 'transformation'. He also asked whether the government has conducted any independent audit with regard to the degradation caused to its archaeological character
“The Manikarnika Ghat is not a protected monument under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India. However, as per the communication received from District Magistrate, Varanasi, the ongoing work at Manikarnika Ghat is a restoration and conservation project aimed at restoring the strength of the Ghat and improving basic amenities for the families arriving to perform last rites, while maintaining the natural flow of the river Ganga,” Shekhawat said.
The minister did not respond directly to the question regarding the audit. Meanwhile, on the question of the government’s accountability on allegations of “illegal extortion” from families coming for cremation at the ghat and the alleged mismanagement, he said that the local administration takes all necessary steps to provide all facilities at the ghats.
Shekhawat mentioned that the project was being executed “in coordination with the local communities”.
The minister was also asked whether heavy concrete construction has posed a serious threat to the natural flow of the river Ganga and the foundational stability of the ghat. Shekhawat replied that the “ongoing restoration and conservation works would strengthen foundational stability of the ghats while maintaining the natural flow of the river”.
Manikarnika Ghat, situated on the banks of river Ganga in Varanasi, is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism and holds great cultural significance for devotees across the country.
Protests erupted in the city in January this year as the ASI took on a redevelopment project of Manikarnika Ghat, during which a part of the ghat was allegedly damaged. Locals were outraged, raising concerns that such changes can erase the city’s cultural heritage.
This charge was rejected by the district administration, according to The Hindu.
The protest largely included members of the Pal Samaj Samiti, among other locals, as per the report. The administration, on the other hand, said that the row appeared to have been triggered due to confusion.
Varanasi district magistrate Satyendra Kumar told the daily that development work was underway and no harm had been caused to any part of the ghat.
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