NEW DELHI: Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi  is scheduled to embark on a visit to Kashi, his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, on July 7. During this visit, he will unveil a range of groundbreaking initiatives amounting to approximately Ra.3,000 crores, dedicated to numerous projects in the city, according to reliable sources.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been meticulously preparing an exhaustive catalog of projects that will be inaugurated in Kashi. Recently, the Chief Minister himself conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the progress made in various developmental endeavors within the city, as stated in an official press release.

A significant highlight of PM Modi's visit is expected to be the foundation stone laying ceremony for the restoration and redevelopment of the revered Manikarnika Ghat, a sacred site of salvation in Kashi. Manikarnika Ghat holds immense spiritual significance as it is believed that cremation performed here leads the departed souls towards salvation. Legends speak of Lord Shiva himself imparting the Tarak Mantra, the mantra of liberation, to those departing souls on this very ghat. The Yogi government has undertaken a dedicated mission to modernize and enhance the accessibility and convenience of the crematorium at Manikarnika Ghat, an iconic destination revered across the nation.

The restoration and redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat will be financed through the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund, with necessary approvals already granted by the National Mission for Clean Ganga. Additionally, the plan encompasses the beautification of Manikarnika Kund, Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, and other associated landmarks.

As per reports, the structures extending from Manikarnika Ghat to Tarakeshwar Temple will be developed in the Nagara architectural style. A three-story building will be constructed, spanning from Tarakeshwar Mahadev Temple to Dattatreya Paduka, covering a distance of approximately 300 to 400 meters.

Shyamlal, the chairman of Planner India Company, responsible for the planning and design of the redevelopment and restoration of Manikarnika Ghat, stated that the proposed redevelopment of the ghat and the surrounding historical structures and temples carries an estimated cost of 17.56 crores. The Rupa Foundation, reportedly, stands prepared to execute the project through the CSR fund.

It is worth mentioning that Manikarnika Ghat not only serves as a cremation ground but also attracts tourists from across the globe who come to witness this sacred place of salvation.

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