VARANASI, Jan. 21 -- Amid the controversy surrounding the redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, UP minister Daya Shankar Mishra 'Dayalu' on Tuesday said modern and devotee-friendly facilities such as ramps, a wood plaza, a viewing area, improved access paths and VIP seating are being developed at the ghat at a cost of Rs.17.56 crore. "The objective is to make the place more dignified, organised and accessible while preserving the sanctity of faith and tradition," the minister was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the minister's public relations officer Gaurav Rathi. "Attempts are being made on social media to portray that the temples are being damaged, while the reality is that only facilities there are being upgraded," the minister said. He further said the project is being funded and implemented by Rupa Foundation under its CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative. "Under it, arrangements related to cremation-such as pyre platform, wood storage and sales area, pre-cremation ritual site, head-shaving area, visitor seating facilities, toilets and drinking water facilities-are being improved," he added. "During the reconstruction work initiated on the ghat's steps, some artefacts and idols installed on the walls of the 'Madi' (a small shrine) adjacent to the steps had fallen during the demolition process. All the idols and artefacts affected in the process have been collected and safely preserved so that they can be reinstalled in their original form and location as soon as the work is complete," the minister said. It was also clarified that all the temples located at Manikarnika Ghat, including Masaneshnath, Mahakal and Tarkeshwar Mahadev temples, are completely safe and have not suffered any damage. Earlier, it was alleged that a century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar had been damaged during ongoing redevelopment work at the ghat-a charge refuted by the Varanasi district administration....