India seeks Kyoto's assistance in developing Varanasi

India's urban development ministry Wednesday sought the cooperation of Japanese heritage city Kyoto in developing the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, which is also part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency.

Urban Development Secretary Shankar Aggarwal suggested to visiting Kyoto Vice-Mayor Kenichi Ogasawara to consider the extending necessary cooperation for the development of Varanasi in various areas.

"Cleaning of Varanasi through effective management of solid and liquid waste was one the areas where Aggarwal desired Kyoto's assistance," said a ministry official.

"Introduction of effective solar power generation technology for the benefit of large number of small traders of Varanasi, particularly, the weavers also figures in the meeting," said a ministry official.

Improving urban planning and execution in the holy city was also discussed.

During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan last month, the two countries had signed an agreement to turn Varanasi into a "smart heritage city".