UP's Efforts in Combating COVID-19 Commendable: PM Modi in Varanasi

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Varanasi.

(PM Narendra Modi lands in Varanasi.)

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Yogi Adityanath)

With less than a year to go for the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 15 July, inaugurated several developmental projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, while lauding Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's efforts for enhancing the state's infrastructure and medical facilities.

Addressing an event at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) as he inaugurated a 100-bed maternal and child health (MCH) wing at the Institute of Medical Sciences of BHU, PM Modi lauded the state government's efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The state of UP has seen times when brain fog and encephalitis were common diseases. Heath facilities were ignored. Moreover, COVID-19 has been one of the biggest challenges this world has ever faced. In such times, UP's fight against COVID-19 is commendable. I thank all the health workers of UP and Kashi," PM Modi said in his address, adding that the number of medical colleges has increased four times in the state in the past four years.

PM Modi inaugurates developmental projects in Varanasi.

PM Modi inaugurates developmental projects in Varanasi.

"Kashi is becoming a large medical hub for Purvanchal. Today, facilities are being made available in Kashi for diseases for which the treatment had to be done in Delhi or Mumbai earlier," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also lauded Adityanath saying that till the latter's government came to power in 2017, the state was reeling under corruption, lack of development, and issues of law and order.

"He is quickly moving forward in the direction of a modernised UP. There is rule of law in UP now, while 'Mafia raj' and terrorism have been brought under control. Today, criminals who target women know that they won't be able to escape the law," he said.

"Yogi ji himself is working tirelessly. Citizens of Kashi can see how he visits regularly and inspects developmental projects and speeds up the processes. He works like this for the entire state, goes to every district," PM Modi added.

Ahead of PM Modi's address, Adityanath addressed the gathering to say that under PM Modi's leadership, Kashi has "made a new identity in the country and the world."

Key Projects Kicked Off in Varanasi

The new convention centre, named 'Rudraksh,' would serve as a venue for the conduction of international conferences, as well as cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions.

The other public projects include a multi-level parking at Godaulia, Ro-Ro Vessels for tourism development and a three-lane flyover bridge on the Varanasi-Ghazipur Highway.

"Ro-Ro vessels facilities will boost the tourism sector in Kashi. Our boatmen are being given better facilties. Diesel boats are being converted into CNG. This facility will bring down their expenses, benefit the environment and attract the tourists," PM Modi said.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for CIPET, rural projects under Jal Jeevan Mission and mango as well as vegetable integrated pack house in Karkhiyaon.

More About Varanasi's Rudraksh Convention Centre

The double-storeyed convention centre has been developed in the upscale Sigra region of the city, covering 2.87 hectares of land. It reportedly has a seating capacity of 1,200 people.

The project, which is expected to promote the city's tourism sector, has 108 rudrakshas in its premises, officials told PTI. Moreover, the ceiling of the convention centre is crafted to resemble a Shiva linga.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency-assisted Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre's (VCC) will be an eco-friendly establishment, in line with the Level 3 the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA).

"I am delighted to be inaugurating a convention centre Rudraksh in Varanasi. Constructed with Japanese assistance, this state-of-the-art centre will make Varanasi an attractive destination for conferences thus drawing more tourists and businesspersons to the city," PM Modi had said in a tweet.

Equipped with robust security systems and multiple entrances, VCC is expected to serve as the hub for international events in Varanasi.

(With inputs from PTI)