Varanasi: Taking serious note of delays in ongoing tourism development projects, district magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Friday directed the tourism department and other nodal agencies to impose penalties on the contractors responsible for the slow pace of work.Reviewing the progress of tourism development projects at a meeting on Friday evening, the DM instructed officials to expedite the works and ensure their timely completion, warning that negligence would invite strict action.Expressing displeasure over the delay in projects at Kali Mandir in Kunwar, Bhairav Nath Talab, the Freedom Fighters’ Memorial in Karkhiyav, Shiv Temple in the Ajgara Assembly constituency, and the Kardameshwar Mahadev and Shultakeshwar Mahadev temples, Kumar directed the concerned departments to take action against the contractors responsible for the prolonged delays.The DM directed officials to immediately remove obstacles hindering the development of Munshi Premchand’s residence at Lamahi into a museum and ensure the project is completed at the earliest. He also instructed departments concerned to speed up the redevelopment of Ganga ghats and renovation work at Assi Ghat.Kumar ordered the expeditious completion of tourist amenities being developed at the Sarnath Tourist Rest House and the Tourist Bungalow at Parade Kothi. He further directed that the light and sound show project at Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath be completed at the earliest, along with adequate seating arrangements for visitors.The meeting also reviewed tourism development projects related to Kapil Dhara Mandir, Gurudham Mandir, Naga Baba Mandir, and the installation of a public address system and stage lighting for cultural programmes at Namo Ghat. Necessary directions were issued to ensure timely execution of these works.Representatives of various tourism-related organisations raised concerns regarding the regulated operation of e-rickshaws on city roads and boats in the Ganga, besides seeking the installation of fare display boards at prominent locations.
