Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Times of India
The Times of India
National
Rajeev Dikshit | TNN

Dashaswamedh gets facelift, 33-yr-old dark spot of Varanasi now modern complex

VARANASI: After staying neglected for 33 years at one of the most-visited mythological sites of Kashi at Dashashwamedh area, a waste property of Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has been turned into a modern commercial complex, complete with modern facilities desired by the pilgrims visiting the city from across the globe under one roof.

“As a joint venture of VDA and Varanasi Smart City Limited, the newly constructed complex — Dashaswamedh Bhawan — is ready for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday,” said VDA vice-chairman Isha Duhan, while showing the beautiful emblem comprising heads of 10 running horses placed at the wall of the main entrance of the complex to signify the mythological importance of place, where as per the legend, Lord Brahma had sacrificed 10 horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here.

Obstructed by litigations following the beginning of its construction in 1986, the long-awaited project of construction of a complex comprising all facilities required for the pilgrims at prime pilgrimage sites, saw the daylight after Chief Minister Yogi Adtiyanath came to power in state in 2017 and ensured clearing of all hurdles. After this, the PM laid its foundation in 2019-20.

“On a plot measuring 3082.04 sqmt, the construction of the building with lower ground floor, upper ground floor and first floor has been done in 993 sqmt area,” she said, adding, “Apart from 196 shops, around 100 toilets, bathrooms, change rooms, food court and roof-top restaurants are located in this complex where space for a post of NDRF has also been ensured.”

“The complex has three escalators and one lift. A Ganga view point at the top floor of the complex will be a major attraction,” she added.

“Funding of Rs 28.69 crores for the project has been done by VSCL,” she said, adding that a joint special purpose vehicle (SPV) of VDA and VSCL has been formed to operate this complex.

As per records, VDA purchased this property, which was in use for vegetable and fish markets, from Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) and the process to construct a commercial complex was started after 1986. But, before this project could take shape, vegetable and fish traders removed from this place took shelter of the court and the project was stalled.

A government order issued in 1998 restricting new constructions in 200 meter area from river Ganga added to the problems of VDA.

“To clear hurdles all the disputes with the vendors were settled while the no-objection certificate from Archaeological Survey of India has also been taken. Except fish traders, who have been rehabilitated by VMC at another site, all other 180 vendors are being accommodated in the new complex,” she added.

The rejuvenation of the site is now complete with maximum footfall of pilgrims and tourists, as converting the Godowlia-Dashashwamedh road into a pedestrian route by giving it a heritage look under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme of the government of India and Smart City project a project of Rs 8.96 crores had already been completed in 2020-21.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.