Centre forms panel to modernise ancient Varanasi

The urban development ministry Wednesday set up an 11-member committee to modernise the city of  Varanasi on the lines of the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto.

The steering committee will operationalise the 'Partner City Affiliation Agreement' between the cities of Varanasi and Kyoto, a ministry statement said.

During his recent visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was impressed with Kyoto - a heritage city - and sought help from its civic agencies in developing his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi.

The agreement referred to culture, art, academics, heritage conservation and city modernisation as potential areas of cooperation.

The committee will be headed by the ministry secretary.

It will facilitate the action plan for modernisation of Varanasi, including upgradation of water management and sewage facilities, waste management, urban transportation and drawing upon the Japan's expertise and technologies.

Application of Japanese practices, techniques and management for conservation of rich heritage of Varanasi will also be looked after by the panel.

Exchanges between Kyoto University and Banaras Hindu University as well as religious organisations also figured in the to-do list of the committee.