ONGC begins to restore Varanasi kunds -Governance Now

ONGC begins to restore Varanasi kunds

The project will cost Rs 11.46 crore

GN Bureau | January 16, 2017

#PSU #ONGC #NBCC #CSR #Varanasi

In order to restore the beauty and serenity of the kunds, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), an energy maharatna, is all set to clean the four kunds based at Varanasi -- Durga kund, Lakshmi kund, Sarangnath kund and Laat Bhairav kund.

The ghats, the temples and the kunds of Varanasi are the driving force which attracts millions of tourists to this ancient city. Today, the kunds of Varanasi are at a crossroads. Having served the society for centuries, they need ONGC’s support to re-claim their lost glory, a statement issued by ONGC said.

The ONGC board gave a go ahead to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) project with financial implication of Rs 11.46 crore. The project is currently under implementation in partnership with National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd. (NBCC) and Varanasi Municipal Corporation. After signing of the tripartite agreement, Rs 3.82 crore has already been released.

Prior to taking up the project, the ONGC engaged an independent agency to carry out a feasibility study and to prepare the detailed project report (DPR). Based on the recommendation, the project activities were initiated by NBCC. The project activities include general civil works including railings, electrical fittings, landscaping, beautification, construction of barriers to check the ingress of pollutants to the water of the kunds and further purification of water through anaerobic bioremediation method.

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