Manikarnika Ghat Temple Demolition Issue

Описание: Manikarnika Ghat Temple Demolition Issue #manikarnikaghat #varanasi

In January 2026, a major controversy erupted over the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, primarily due to the demolition of historic structures and the alleged desecration of idols.

Below is the updated status and detailed breakdown of the situation:

Recent Updates (January 2026)
Temple Demolition Row: Protests broke out on January 13, 2026, after videos went viral showing a bulldozer demolishing stone structures near the Manikarnika Ghat. Locals and heritage activists alleged that a 100-year-old statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar and other consecrated idols were destroyed.

Government Stance: The Varanasi District Administration and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have dismissed claims of "demolition." They state that no temples were destroyed; rather, stone "Madhis" (platforms) were dismantled as part of the rejuvenation project.

Status of Idols: Officials claim that all idols and historical artworks embedded in the walls have been preserved by the UP Culture Department and will be reinstalled once the new structure is complete.

Legal Action: Eight FIRs were registered on January 17, 2026, against individuals for allegedly spreading misinformation and using AI-generated images to incite religious tension regarding the demolition.

The Redevelopment Project
The demolition is part of a ₹17.56 crore renovation project aimed at transforming Manikarnika Ghat into a grand corridor similar to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Key features include:

Flood-Resistant Design: Raising platforms so that cremations are not interrupted during Ganga floods.

Expanded Facilities: Construction of a wood plaza, VIP viewing areas, ramps for the elderly, and better waste management.

Heritage Conservation: While some old structures were removed to widen paths, the government maintains that key temples like Ratneshwar Mahadev and Tarkeshwar Temple are being restored, not demolished.

Separate Information Lines
Temple Demolition Manikarnika Ghat Protests occurred in mid-January 2026 following the use of heavy machinery near heritage structures.

Manikarnika Temple Demolition The administration denies demolishing temples, stating only platforms (Madhis) were dismantled.

Manikarnika Ghat Demolition Part of a 2026 rejuvenation project to widen the area between Manikarnika and Scindia Ghats.

Manikarnika Ghat Demolition Row Opposition leaders (Congress/NCP) and the Holkar Trust have condemned the "tasteless commercialization" of the site.

Manikarnika Ghat Demolition Update The UP government has warned against "false propaganda" and says idols are safe in state custody.

Manikarnika Ghat Temple Historical sites like the Manikarnika Kund and Ratneshwar Temple are being integrated into the new corridor design.

Manikarnika Ghat Demolition News The Khasgi Trust (Indore) has demanded a probe into the destruction of Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy at the ghat.

Varanasi Manikarnika Ghat Demolition The project is funded via CSR and state funds to improve sanitation and pilgrim facilities.

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi Demolition The "kachcha" (unpaved) portion of the ghat is being replaced with stone steps and wider corridors.

Manikarnika Ghat Temples District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar assured that all 40+ small and large shrines in the area will be preserved or reinstalled.

Varanasi Manikarnika Ghat Demolition: The drive intensified in early 2026 to meet the completion deadline of late 2026.

Dalmandi Demolition Project Boost Manikarnika Ghat Urban planning for the Kashi region includes clearing encroachments in Dalmandi to improve access to the ghats.

Manikarnika Demolition Refers to the clearing of old structures to create a "Path of Procession" for funeral parties.

Temple Demolition A recurring point of tension in Varanasi urban renewal, previously seen during the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor construction.

Varanasi Temple Demolition Authorities claim 40+ temples were actually "liberated" from private houses during previous corridor works, not destroyed.

Temple Demolition Varanasi The current focus is on balancing modern infrastructure needs with the preservation of "Sanatan" heritage.