Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited signed memorandums of understanding for two projects worth Rs 692.1 million (mn) to upgrade civic infrastructure and preserve Varanasi’s cultural and heritage sites under its corporate social responsibility initiative. The projects will redevelop and beautify 119 public parks and establish two modern food street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin. The agreements were executed at the Taj Hotel in the presence of the Varanasi mayor and the divisional commissioner and the BPCL chairman and managing director. Senior officials from BPCL and the district administration were also in attendance.

Under the first memorandum BPCL will provide Rs 480 mn in CSR funding for the redevelopment of 119 public parks across Varanasi. The parks will be equipped with landscaped areas, walking pathways, open gyms, children’s play equipment, drainage, lighting and horticultural facilities. The project will also deliver the two food street hubs with organised vending infrastructure, water and sanitation amenities, CCTV surveillance, solar lighting and improved facilities for visitors. Implementation will involve BPCL, the Kashi Integrated Parking and Recreational Foundation and Varanasi Smart City Limited.

A second memorandum valued at Rs 212.1 mn with the Varanasi Development Authority will revitalise key heritage routes in the city. The heritage corridor from Thatheri Heritage Lane to the Kaal Bhairav Temple will be refurbished, facades along the route from Godowlia Crossing to Maidagin Crossing will be beautified and the lane leading to the Manikarnikeshwar Temple at Manikarnika Ghat will be redeveloped. Works will feature heritage sensitive road construction, stone paving, facade renovation, heritage style lighting, signage, street furniture and public art installations. The design will prioritise pedestrian friendly infrastructure and heritage sensitive techniques.

The projects are scheduled for completion within 36 months and are expected to improve civic amenities, urban aesthetics, environmental sustainability and heritage tourism in Varanasi. The initiative is intended to create livelihood opportunities for local vendors while enhancing facilities for residents, pilgrims and tourists. BPCL and partner bodies will coordinate implementation with the district administration to ensure timely delivery and adherence to conservation standards.