Parliament Question: Transformation of Manikarnika Ghat

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2723 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 TRANSFORMATION OF MANIKARNIKA GHAT †2723. SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether ancient site of Manikarnika Ghat is losing its historical and mythological originality due to construction works being carried out in the name of 'Transformation' and whether the Government has conducted any independent audit with regard to the degradation caused to its archaeological character; (b) whether heavy concrete construction has posed a serious threat to the natural flow of the river Ganga and the foundational stability of the ghat; (c) the accountability of the Government in this regard as local administration has completely failed to check the illegal extortion from the bereaved families coming for cremation at the ghat and prevalent mismanagement there; (d) whether this model of 'development' ignores the interests of the local communities and the Dom community who have been living there for centuries; and (e) whether the Government proposes to set up a high-level committee of experts to review the project? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) The Manikarnika Ghat is not a protected monument under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India. However, as per the communication received from District Magistrate, Varanasi, the ongoing work at Manikarnika Ghat is a restoration and conservation project aimed at restoring the strength of the Ghat and improving basic amenities for the families arriving to perform last rites, while maintaining the natural flow of the river Ganga. (b) The ongoing restoration and conservation works would strengthen foundational stability of the Ghats while maintaining the natural flow of the river. (c) Local Administration takes all necessary steps to provide all facilities at the Ghats. (d)& The conservation project has been conceptualized and is being executed by the local (e) administration in coordination with the local communities. *****