Prayagraj Municipal Corporation to maintain Yamuna bridge facade lights, 6 new ghats

Prayagraj: The Municipal Corporation will bear the cost of the facade lights installed on the new Yamuna Bridge during the Maha Kumbh.

An agreement was signed with the Uttar Pradesh Project Corporation Limited regarding the payment, marking a key step in the city's post-Kumbh infrastructure upkeep. Chief engineer (Electricity) Sanjay Katiyar confirmed that while the Municipal Corporation will pay the bill, the maintenance responsibility of the lights will remain with the agency that installed them.

In addition to this, Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani conducted a thorough inspection of the Sangam area on Thursday, accompanied by officials of the Municipal Corporation. During the inspection, the Mayor expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of cleanliness and basic amenities. Several spots were found littered, and complaints from local residents and visitors highlighted the absence of proper toilet facilities and changing rooms for women. Taking immediate cognisance of the issues, the Mayor directed officials to ensure regular cleaning and the installation of mobile toilets to accommodate the needs of pilgrims and tourists.

Further strengthening its efforts in public maintenance, the Municipal Corporation will now take care of six major ghats constructed along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers ahead of the Maha Kumbh.

These include Rasulabad Ghat, Qila Ghat, Naukaayan Ghat, Maheva Ghat, Gyan Ganga Ghat, and the newly constructed Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Only Nehru Ghat, situated near Saraswati Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna, will remain under the jurisdiction of the Cantonment Board due to its location in a military zone.

This decision comes in the wake of complaints and concerns raised by several organisations and local residents over the poor management of the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant directed that the ghat's maintenance be handed over to the Municipal Corporation. This prompted a review of all similar infrastructure built before the Maha Kumbh, eventually resulting in the expansion of Corporation's maintenance responsibilities. Cleaning activities have already begun at Naukaayan Ghat. Mayor Kesarwani emphasised that while various agencies previously managed these ghats, the Municipal Corporation will now take full responsibility to ensure cleanliness and maintenance standards are upheld. He also appealed to the state govt for a dedicated budget to support the upkeep of these vital riverfront locations.

Highlighting the city's national recognition, the Mayor reminded that Prayagraj's ghats secured second place in last year's Swachh survey. Municipal Corporation Junior Engineer Ram Saxena added that the civic body will also maintain Jhanda Park at Parade, Krishna Park near the Jal Nigam guest house, and a park on Yamuna Bank Road for one year, after which the Cantonment Board will resume responsibility.