In a late-night operation, the Dehradun district administration, backed by a strong police force, demolished a structure described as an illegally built mazaar near the iconic Clock Tower. The action was carried out jointly with the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) on Thursday night.
Official Stance and Demolition Details
Authorities stated that the demolition was scheduled for nighttime to avoid traffic disruptions and potential public unrest. District Magistrate Savin Bansal clarified that the land, part of the MDDA-run HNB complex in the city centre, was encroached upon for this structure. The administration had previously issued a notice to the concerned parties, providing them with an opportunity to remove the encroachment themselves. Since no action was taken within the given timeframe, the authorities proceeded with the demolition.
Officials confirmed on Friday that no religious artefacts were discovered at the site during the operation. An official familiar with the matter linked the action to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's directives to liberate government properties from illegal occupation. The MDDA had sent a notice seeking proof of land ownership following a survey by the administration team.
Contrasting Claims and Past Precedents
However, the demolition has not been without controversy. Members of the Muslim Seva Sangathan, a social organisation, contested the official description. They argued that the structure was not a mazaar (shrine) but a grave, emphasising that not every raised structure can be classified as a mazaar. A local resident mentioned that the exact age of the structure remained unclear.
This incident follows a similar demolition in April last year, where a mazaar at the Government Doon Medical College and Hospital was razed. That structure was claimed to be over 150 years old, leading to a contempt of court case being filed in the Supreme Court against the district and city magistrates.
Wider Anti-Encroachment Campaign in Uttarakhand
The demolition is part of a broader state-wide initiative. The Uttarakhand government has launched a sustained campaign to remove all illegal encroachments from public properties. According to an official, this drive has so far resulted in the removal of more than 550 such unauthorised religious structures across the state. The administration has warned that similar actions will continue against any other illegal constructions on government land.
