The Public Works Department (PWD) in Varanasi issued a decisive final warning on Monday, setting the stage for the demolition of twenty buildings that have already been acquired. This action is a critical step in the ambitious Dalmandi road-widening project, which aims to improve access to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
Project Details and Current Status
PWD Executive Engineer KK Singh clarified that the warning is specifically for individuals who have received compensation but continue to occupy the structures. After a pause of more than a month, the process of finalizing the purchase of the identified 187 buildings and demolishing the acquired ones is scheduled to recommence on Tuesday.
Officials stated that out of the total 187 buildings marked for the project, the purchase process for 20 has been completed, with compensation distributed to their 62 shareholders. Furthermore, the paperwork for an additional 20 buildings has been submitted by the owners and is currently under scrutiny before compensation is released.
Challenges and Administrative Action
The project has encountered several complexities. Approximately five buildings in the Dalmandi area were initially classified as enemy property. The PWD forwarded their details to relevant officials for clarification. Since no documents were found to substantiate this claim, the department sought approval from the district administration to proceed with action against these properties.
The entire machinery of the district administration, PWD, and police has been activated to accelerate the acquisition and demolition process. This push for speed follows clear instructions issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday to expedite the project's completion.
Project Scope and Past Hurdles
The Rs 224 crore project, launched in 2025, involves widening a 650-meter stretch of Dalmandi road to 17.4 meters. The enhanced road will provide direct access to Gate No. 4 of Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Lahurabir-Godowlia road at the Naisadak point.
Before commencing demolition, the PWD established its camp office at the Chowk police station and began the processes of purchasing buildings and disbursing compensation. The project has not been without opposition. Six buildings have already been demolished amidst protests from local traders, Samajwadi Party Chandauli MP Virendra Singh, UP Congress Committee president Ajay Rai, and members of various organizations. Following the halt of demolition activities after November 20, Mufti-e-Banaras Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani also visited the Dalmandi market to express solidarity with the affected traders.
