NEW DELHI; Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Monday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for two projects worth more than Rs 69.21 crore to upgrade civic infrastructure and preserve Varanasi’s cultural and heritage sites under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Under the projects, 119 public parks will be redeveloped and beautified at a cost of Rs 48 crore, while two modern food street hubs will be developed at Sarnath and Maidagin.
The MoUs were signed at a ceremony at the Taj Hotel in the presence of Varanasi Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, Divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam and BPCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna.
BPCL Executive Director (HRS) D Parthasarathy, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) Vice-Chairman Purna Bora, Kashi Integrated Parking and Recreational Foundation (KIPRF) Director Amarendra Tiwari and senior officials from BPCL and the district administration were also present.
Under the first MoU, BPCL will provide Rs 48 crore in CSR funding for the redevelopment of 119 public parks across Varanasi. The parks will be equipped with landscaped areas, walking pathways, open gyms, children’s play equipment, drainage systems, lighting and improved horticultural facilities.
The project also includes the development of two modern food street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin. The hubs will feature organised vending infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, solar lighting and improved amenities for visitors.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with BPCL, KIPRF and Varanasi Smart City Limited (VSCL).
Separately, BPCL signed a second MoU worth Rs 21.21 crore with the VDA to revitalise key heritage routes in the city.
Under the project, the heritage corridor from Thatheri Heritage Lane to the Kaal Bhairav Temple will be refurbished. Facades along the route from Godowlia Crossing to Maidagin Crossing will be beautified, while the lane leading to the Manikarnika Ghat’s Manikarnikeshwar Temple will also be redeveloped.
The works will include heritage-sensitive road construction, stone paving, facade renovation, heritage-style lighting, signage, street furniture, murals and public art installations, besides pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
The projects are scheduled to be completed within 36 months and are expected to improve civic amenities, urban aesthetics, environmental sustainability and heritage tourism in Varanasi. The initiative will also create livelihood opportunities for local vendors while providing enhanced facilities for residents, pilgrims and tourists.