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Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha Constituency, Varanasi, is known for its towering temples, holy ghats and a maze of serpentine lanes. But plans to beautify this ancient city has sparked fear and loud protests among its residents.
Preparations are underway for PM Modi’s dream projects, like the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor and the Ganga pathway. However, in order to build these, the iconic narrow lanes of the temple town will have to be broadened to 40 metres under this project.
But anyone who’s been to Varanasi knows that such a project cannot be possible without razing the many old mansions, structures and residences – several of which house ornate temples – that dot these lanes.
Residents of the Kashi Vishwanath region allege that several houses have been bought secretly for the corridor. Those who refuse to part with the structures they own are being threatened, locals allege.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, however, has dismissed allegations of threats and coercion. Vishal Singh, CEO of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, says the trust has been trying to convince both legal and illegal occupants on the merits of giving up their properties.
Residents are being asked to move out with their consent and fair compensation, he says, adding that all of this is a part of the plan to beautify the iconic temple.
But in a city like Kashi, temples are homes and homes are temples. Each house lining the way from Kashi Vishwanath temple to the ghat has a temple inside it. Many homeowners say they are averse to the idea of selling their ‘temple-homes’ in exchange for government compensation.
Why is it that a government that is known to aggressively promote its schemes remains silent on the Kashi corridor project?
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