Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday defended development works underway at Varanasi's Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats.

Speaking to the media about development projects in Varanasi, he highlighted challenges with cremations at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat, emphasising that cremation is a sacred ritual that requires respect and cleanliness.

He underscored the difficulties of cremations during the monsoon season, including half-burnt bodies, pollution, and the struggle to maintain dignity and environmental safety during the cremation process.

'Manikarnika Ghat and Maharaja Harishchandra Ghat are the two main ghats where cremations take place... You can see the conditions in which cremations are performed at Manikarnika Ghat... Cremation is one of the 16 rituals of Sanatana Dharma, and it should be performed with respect and in a clean environment,' said the UP CM.

Adityanath further added that the government's project aims to modernise the facilities while upholding tradition.

'The government is committed to helping facilitate the smooth conduct of these rituals, and therefore some projects have been initiated... Cremations become very difficult during the monsoon season, and sometimes bodies are left half-burnt; imagine what the grieving families have to endure...,' he added.

Responding to Congress's criticism, the UP CM mentioned initiatives aimed at preserving its religious and cultural significance, initially funded by the government, countering opposition criticism. Facilities include cremation platforms, waiting areas, wood storage, toilets, ramps, drainage, and waste management.

'When a project is started for this purpose, and that too without government funding, they (the opposition) begin their agenda of defaming it...,' he added.

He also spoke about pollution, highlighting Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), the amount of dissolved oxygen required by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic material and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), a measure of the capacity of water to consume oxygen during the decomposition of organic matter and the oxidation of inorganic chemicals.

'Certain practices can increase biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates, and fluorides in the Ganga's water... Moreover, many families cannot afford sufficient wood for complete cremations; as a result, incomplete cremations occur and, at times, whole bodies are immersed in the river...,' said CM Yogi.

He assured support for Doms, who've performed rites for thousands of years, to continue traditions smoothly. 'Arrangements have also been made to ensure that the Dom community, which has performed these rites for thousands of years with respect and continuity, can continue to conduct cremations without difficulty and with their traditions upheld...,' said the UP CM.

This comes after controversy erupted over the demolition drive in Varanasi. Heavy machinery and bulldozers were used to clear encroachments and old structures. During the drive, several ancient idols and artefacts were discovered. Local authorities state these have been secured by the culture department for reinstallation after construction.

Locals and priests expressed concern that modern construction might alter the ghat's ancient spiritual character. Political leaders from the Congress and Samajwadi Party criticised the drive, alleging damage to heritage, including a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar.

The plan to renovate and redevelop Manikarnika Ghat was launched when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on July 7, 2023. The total renovation cost of the project is expected to be around Rs 17.56 crore.

The administration Master plan is to streamline and widen the area from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat. This includes better facilities for pilgrims visiting the ghats, easier access and seating arrangements for those coming for cremations, and strengthening connectivity to Scindia Ghat.

The new Manikarnika Ghat will include VIP seating on the roof. In addition, special attention will be paid to ramps, viewing areas, seating arrangements, and other basic amenities. A wood plaza will also be constructed at Manikarnika Ghat, where mourners can purchase wood for cremations.

It is worth noting that the Manikarnika Ghat, the great cremation ground of Kashi, holds immense religious significance. According to religious beliefs, after death in Kashi, Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ear of the deceased, granting them salvation.

This is the only cremation ground in the world that burns pyres 24 hours a day, earning it the name Mahashmashan (Great Cremation Ground), and people from around the world visit the sacred site. (ANI)