VMC chief sets 15-day deadline to clean gully pits before monsoon

Varanasi: Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal has given officials a 15-day ultimatum to clean and repair all gully pits on a war footing.

To tackle waterlogging ahead of the monsoon, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation is cleaning all small and large drains, sewers, and gully pits across the city.

On Thursday, mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari reviewed the progress of drain cleaning and development works with officers from various departments. With the monsoon approaching, he stressed timely completion and quality, issuing strict directives to officials.

He directed all departments to coordinate, warning that negligent officers would face strict action. To bring speed and transparency, accountability was fixed for each department during the review.

The general department will clean small drains and repair gully pits, while the jalkal department will clear sewage lines and blockages using super sucker machines.

All officials must submit daily reports on drain and gully pit cleaning. The mayor ordered a special drive to remove all encroachments from drains so water flow is not blocked. He has sought a full list of drains cleaned so far for surprise inspections.

Starting Monday at 7:30 am, the mayor will personally inspect drain cleaning work across the city. Officials showing only paper compliance will face action.

The meeting also reviewed other ongoing construction works. The mayor directed that all development projects be completed on time and with high quality.