Renovation at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat Sparks Heritage and Infrastructure Debate

Renovation work at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat, a sacred Hindu cremation site, has sparked controversy after videos showed bulldozers demolishing old structures, including one linked to Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. Critics, including locals and historians, express concern over heritage loss, while supporters emphasize the need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the large number of daily cremations. The redevelopment aims to create a more organized and dignified environment, funded by a corporate social responsibility initiative, but questions remain about transparency and preservation.