Union Minister for Tourism Subodh Kant Sahay has said that the government was committed to developing Varanasi as a tourist destination. "For the renovation of Garhwa Ghat and Markande Mahadev Ghat, the government has earmarked Rs 3.34 crore and 1.66 crore respectively," the minister said.

However, he refused to comment on the Ganga Seva Abhiyanam under the leadership of Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand.

Assuring people of the beautification of important 'maths' in Varanasi, the union minister yesterday said the purpose of the ongoing movement on Ganga is good but it can not be achieved in a day.