CSR Watch: BPCL to spend Rs 69.21 crore for redevelopment of 119 parks and heritage corridors in Varanasi

New Delhi: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has approved a total outlay of Rs 69.21 crore for two major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in Varanasi. This fund will be utilize in upgrading public spaces, strengthening tourism infrastructure and preserving the city's cultural heritage.

BPCL signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the projects in Varanasi in the presence of S. Rajalingam, Commissioner, Varanasi Division, and Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL and Director (Refineries), additional charge.

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Under the first MoU, BPCL will contribute Rs 48 crore towards the redevelopment and beautification of **119 public parks** across Varanasi and development of food street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin. The project will be implemented in partnership with the Kashi Integrated Parking & Recreational Foundation (KIPRF) and Varanasi Smart City Limited (VSCL).

The park redevelopment programme will include landscaping, walking pathways, seating facilities, children's play equipment, open gyms, lighting, horticulture and drainage improvements, along with other civic amenities.

The two food street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin will feature organised vending infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, solar lighting and improved amenities for visitors and local vendors.

The second MoU, valued at Rs 21.21 crore, has been signed with the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) for the beautification of key heritage streets and precincts in the city.

The project will cover the corridor from Thatheri Heritage Gali to Kal Bhairav Temple, façade enhancement works between Godauliya Chauraha and Maidagin Chauraha, and redevelopment and beautification of the lane leading to Manikarnikeshwar Temple at Manikarnika Ghat.

The planned works include heritage-sensitive streetscape improvements, stone paving, façade treatment, lighting, signage, street furniture, murals, public art, drainage improvements and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

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The projects are expected to improve public spaces and urban amenities while enhancing facilities for residents, pilgrims, tourists and local vendors. The initiatives are also aimed at strengthening Varanasi's tourism and heritage infrastructure while retaining the distinctive character of its historic areas.

Both projects have a 36-month implementation period. Upon completion, the upgraded public and heritage assets are expected to contribute to the city's long-term development as a major cultural and spiritual tourism destination.

BPCL said the initiatives are part of its broader CSR focus on creating sustainable community assets, improving quality of life and supporting transformative development across the country. The projects also align with the company's efforts to contribute to the preservation of India's cultural heritage.

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