Varanasi: Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) on Friday signed an MoU with the Varanasi Municipal Corporation for the rejuvenation and development of ponds, kunds (water reservoirs) and community wells across the city under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.The agreement was signed in the presence of mayor Ashok Tiwari, PFC chairperson and managing director Parminder Chopra, and municipal commissioner and CEO of Varanasi Smart City Himanshu Nagpal.The mayor said the revival of centuries-old water bodies was vital not only for maintaining ecological balance but also for preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage. He described the project as a transformative initiative for both residents and tourists visiting Kashi.Parminder Chopra said the Rs 58 crore CSR project was a matter of pride for the corporation. She assured that PFC would ensure timely completion of the project while adhering to high-quality standards. The initiative, she said, would help recharge groundwater levels and rejuvenate the local ecosystem.Outlining the execution plan, municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said Varanasi Smart City would implement the project using modern and organised methods. Along with beautification of ponds and kunds, eco-friendly technologies would be deployed to maintain water quality naturally.He said restoration of community wells would improve access to clean water and contribute to better public health and urban infrastructure.The project includes the environmental redevelopment of Sarnath Pond and desilting of 25 major ponds, including those at Kandwa, Sandaha, Revagir, Sarangnath, Police Lines and Pandeypur.It also envisages the rejuvenation, restoration and purification of 30 prominent kunds, including Ranipokhari, Konia Baitarni Kund, Kurukshetra Pond, Sona Pond, Baba Jagannath Das Sarovar and Pongalpur, besides the complete restoration of 100 community wells across the city.
