Varanasi | January 14, 2026:

A redevelopment and demolition drive at the historic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi sparked protests on Tuesday, as local groups alleged that the city’s religious and cultural heritage was being harmed in the name of development. The district administration, however, dismissed these claims, stating that the work is being carried out strictly under an approved redevelopment plan.

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism and is believed to grant moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Due to its immense spiritual importance, the site attracts devotees from across the country. The protest was mainly led by members of the Pal Samaj Samiti, along with a few locals, who expressed concern that the original character of the ghat was being altered.

Mahendra Pal, a member of the samiti, alleged that redevelopment activities were damaging the heritage value of the ghat. In response, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Alok Verma visited the site and said the agitation appeared to have arisen due to misunderstanding about the nature of the work. He noted that people residing in and around the ghat were not protesting and that construction was being carried out in their presence. He also mentioned that the administration was looking into the possible involvement of outsiders in the protest.

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar clarified that no temple had been demolished or harmed during the redevelopment. He said that the current phase involves the construction of steps at the ghat. During excavation, some idols and artefacts were found, which have been safely preserved. These will be reinstalled after the completion of the construction work, ensuring that the religious and cultural sanctity of Manikarnika Ghat remains Protests Flare at Manikarnika Ghat Over Redevelopment Drive in Varanasi

A demolition and redevelopment drive at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi triggered protests on Tuesday, with local groups alleging that the city’s centuries-old heritage was being damaged in the name of development. The district administration, however, firmly rejected these claims and clarified that the work is part of a planned redevelopment project.

Manikarnika Ghat, one of Hinduism’s holiest cremation grounds, holds deep religious and cultural significance as it is believed to grant moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Members of the Pal Samaj Samiti and a few locals gathered at the site, raising concerns that the original character of the ghat was being altered during the ongoing work.

Leading the protest, Mahendra Pal of the samiti alleged that redevelopment activities were tampering with the historic nature of the ghat. Responding to the unrest, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Alok Verma reached the spot and said the protest appeared to be based on confusion. He added that residents living in and around the ghat were not opposing the work and suggested that some outsiders might have influenced the agitation.

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar reassured that no temple had been demolished or damaged during the process. He explained that the first phase involves construction of steps, and during excavation, some idols and artefacts were discovered. These have been carefully preserved and will be reinstalled once the development work is completed, he said.