NEW DELHI (India CSR): Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has committed ₹69.21 crore for two corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in Varanasi covering the redevelopment of 119 public parks, food-street infrastructure and heritage-sensitive improvements in key city precincts. The projects will be implemented over 36 months through agreements signed by BPCL with local implementing agencies. According to BPCL, the initiatives are intended to create sustainable community assets, improve public amenities and support the preservation of Varanasi’s cultural heritage.
Two CSR Projects
BPCL has signed two Memorandums of Understanding for the projects in the presence of S. Rajalingam, Commissioner, Varanasi Division, and Sanjay Khanna, Chairman and Managing Director of BPCL and Director (Refineries), holding additional charge. The first project carries an outlay of Rs. 48 crore and covers redevelopment and beautification of 119 public parks across Varanasi. It also includes the development of food-street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin. The project will be implemented in partnership with the Kashi Integrated Parking & Recreational Foundation and Varanasi Smart City Limited.
Parks And Amenities
The park redevelopment plan includes landscaping, walking pathways, seating facilities, children’s play equipment, open gyms, lighting, horticulture and drainage improvements. Other civic amenities are also proposed as part of the programme. The initiative is expected to improve the condition and usability of public green spaces in different parts of Varanasi. The upgraded parks are intended to serve residents by providing spaces for recreation, walking, physical activity and community use.
Food Street Hubs
The two proposed food-street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin will include organised vending infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, solar lighting and other amenities for visitors and vendors. Sarnath is an important Buddhist heritage destination, while Maidagin is a prominent area within Varanasi’s historic urban landscape. The planned food-street facilities are aimed at improving the visitor experience and providing better infrastructure for local vendors.
Heritage Corridor Works
The second CSR project, valued at Rs. 21.21 crore, has been signed with the Varanasi Development Authority. It will focus on beautification and redevelopment of selected heritage streets and precincts. The works will cover the corridor from Thatheri Heritage Gali to Kal Bhairav Temple, façade enhancement between Godauliya Chauraha and Maidagin Chauraha, and redevelopment of the lane leading to Manikarnikeshwar Temple at Manikarnika Ghat.
Pedestrian Infrastructure
The heritage-focused project proposes streetscape improvements designed around the character of the historic areas. Planned works include stone paving, façade treatment, lighting, signage, street furniture, murals, public art, drainage improvements and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The projects seek to strengthen public spaces and tourism facilities while retaining the distinctive identity of Varanasi’s historic localities. Residents, pilgrims, tourists and local vendors are among the groups expected to benefit from the upgraded facilities.
Long-Term Assets
Both projects have a 36-month implementation period. Upon completion, the upgraded parks, food-street hubs and heritage corridors are expected to become long-term public assets for the city. BPCL said the initiatives form part of its wider CSR approach towards improving quality of life, developing sustainable community infrastructure and contributing to transformative development. The heritage works also align with the company’s stated focus on supporting the preservation of India’s cultural assets.
Key Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| CSR outlay | ₹69.21 crore |
| Project components | Parks, food streets and heritage corridors |
| Public parks covered | 119 |
| Park and food-street allocation | ₹48 crore |
| Heritage-project allocation | ₹21.21 crore |
| Food-street locations | Sarnath and Maidagin |
| Heritage locations | Thatheri Heritage Gali, Kal Bhairav Temple, Godauliya-Maidagin stretch, Manikarnikeshwar Temple lane |
| Implementing partners | KIPRF, Varanasi Smart City Limited and Varanasi Development Authority |
| Implementation period | 36 months |
