What is the origin of the name 'Varanasi'?

The city of Varanasi is still referred to as 'Kashi'- the name it has always had. The name Varanasi is a more recent one if you consider the fact that the name 'Kashi'is mentioned in the Rig Veda, taking us back to more than a few thousand years.The name 'Varanasi' is believed to have its origins in the presence of the two rivers, Varuna and Assi or Asi, which flow through this region. Locally, Varanasi is equally popular as Benares or Banaras.Unfortunately, though the two rivers, Varuna and Asi have been reduced to 'nalas' or filthy streams. You would find it hard to believe that they were rivers if you were to look at them in Varanasi. The sewage of the entire city drain in to these two rivers robbing them of their original glory. It is now an accepted fact that these two rivers would dry up in the coming years. Nothing could be done. The focus is to somehow save the more important Ganga that in turn is fed by these two rivers(or drains rather?). There is nationwide uproar against the current, polluted state of Ganga and humongous projects have been undertaken in Varanasi and other places to save the Ganga.To what end?Only time will tell.The corrupt bureaucrats in India are known to swindle away billions of dollars of funds to their personal swiss bank accounts leaving almost no trace. Its difficult to assume that the outcome will be different this time.