Varanasi,

April 25 (HS): Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister AK Sharma on

Saturday issued clear instructions to officials to expedite ongoing development

work in Varanasi and ensure no compromises are made on quality. He said several

important decisions have been implemented in the power system to provide relief

to the public. The

minister stated that consumers with electricity connections up to 1 kilowatt

will not have their connections disconnected for a month even if they have a

negative balance. Consumers with connections up to 2 kilowatts will receive a

maximum discount of Rs. 200. Furthermore, SMS alerts will be sent in five

stages before disconnecting any consumer's connection. Power supply will not be

interrupted even on Sundays and other public holidays due to negative balances.

During

a review meeting held at the Circuit House, the Minister placed special

emphasis on the city's cleanliness, drainage, and power supply systems. In view

of the upcoming rainy season, instructions were given to complete the drain

cleaning work in a timely manner. He said that under no circumstances should

waterlogging occur, and that the Municipal Corporation and the Jalkal

Department should work in coordination to achieve this.

While

reviewing road and urban beautification works, the Minister stressed on

prioritizing interlocking work along the roads and launching a strict drive to

remove encroachments. He said that this will improve both the order and traffic

of the city. While reviewing the progress of various schemes, Minister Sharma

directed that their impact should be clearly visible at the ground level so

that Varanasi can be developed as a modern and organized city. Expressing

displeasure over the problem of power tripping, he directed the officials to

find an immediate solution and stressed on ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

Mayor Ashok Tiwari, MD Purvanchal Electricity Distribution Corporation Shambhu

Kumar, Urban Development Himanshu Nagpal, Additional Municipal Commissioner

etc. were also present in the meeting.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi