Ujjain Authorities Demolish 16 Illegal Structures Near Mahakal Temple
In a significant enforcement drive, authorities in Ujjain demolished sixteen illegal structures located in Begambag, an area adjacent to the revered Mahakal Temple, on Tuesday. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA), the municipal council, and local police forces.
Background of the Lease Violations
The dispute has its origins in 1985 when the UDA allotted 45 residential plots in Begambag on a 30-year lease. Each plot measured approximately 2,400 square feet and was intended strictly for residential use. However, plot holders violated the lease conditions by converting the land for commercial purposes and subdividing the plots, leading to the construction of nearly 99 unauthorized structures.
The leases officially lapsed between 2014 and 2015 and were not renewed. After issuing repeated notices, the UDA formally cancelled the leases in the 2023-24 period. Plot holders subsequently obtained stay orders from lower courts, the High Court, and the Supreme Court, which temporarily halted demolition actions.
Legal Process and Voluntary Compliance
These stay orders were recently vacated, paving the way for Tuesday's demolition drive. UDA CEO Sandeep Kumar Soni explained, "The plots were allotted for residential use but were put to commercial use. The lease expired and could not be renewed, so the action was taken." Prior to the demolition, building owners were served notices and informed of the legal position, after which they voluntarily vacated their premises.
Phased Demolition and Future Plans
This operation marks the fifth phase of demolitions in the area. Previously, forty-two structures were demolished in four earlier phases, bringing the total number of demolished structures to fifty-eight. Authorities have confirmed that the remaining thirty-two illegal structures will be addressed through the ongoing legal process.
Looking ahead, a bridge is proposed to be constructed at the site in preparation for Simhastha 2028, a major religious festival expected to draw large numbers of pilgrims to Ujjain.
Security Measures and Pilgrim Convenience
To ensure a smooth and secure operation, over fifty police personnel were deployed at the site. Advanced surveillance measures, including CCTV cameras and drone monitoring, were implemented. Vehicular traffic was temporarily halted in the area, although pilgrims were permitted to pass on foot to access the Mahakal Temple.
CSP Rahul Deshmukh emphasized that special care was taken to avoid inconveniencing pilgrims, noting that the area serves as an approach road to the temple. "We ensured that pilgrims were not inconvenienced during the demolition process," he stated.
The joint operation underscores the authorities' commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations and preserving the sanctity of the temple precincts, while balancing the needs of devotees and legal compliance.
