Varanasi/Lucknow: The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has lodged an FIR against unidentified persons after sand-filled bags and other debris were allegedly found stuffed inside a main sewer line in Shivala area, causing sewage overflow and waterlogging in adjoining lanes.
Civic Body Alleges Deliberate Obstruction of Sewers
The civic body has filed a complaint alleging that the placement of waste bags indicates a coordinated effort to obstruct the sewer system, disrupt municipal services, and damage the city’s reputation. Officials reported similar findings of obstructive materials, including sand, stones, plywood, wood shavings, and plastic waste, in sewer lines across multiple wards.
Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal conducted an inspection of the affected area on Saturday. Tiwari noted that municipal and Jal Kal teams are working tirelessly to address waterlogging and pump out standing water from low-lying regions.
Nagpal emphasized that strict action will be taken against those responsible for tampering with public infrastructure and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.
The development comes amid criticism from opposition leaders and social media users over waterlogging in Shivala. UP Congress chief Ajay Rai had recently alleged that foreign tourists were being forced to wade through dirty water in the locality, calling it an embarrassment for both Varanasi and the country.